THEAMERICANCONSERVATIVE (Theodore Dalrymple) - Propriety Is the Basis of Freedom
When “obedience to the unenforceable” falls by the wayside, expect both disorder and tyranny to take its place. The post Propriety Is the Basis of Freedom appeared first on The American Conservative .
Culture Propriety Is the Basis of Freedom When “obedience to the unenforceable” falls by the wayside, expect both disorder and tyranny to take its place. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) It is by no means uncommon to hear someone reply to criticism of his conduct by saying that there was no law against it. This is a sinister reply, at least implicitly, for it suggests that what the law does not forbid is permitted in all other senses: in other words, that the law provides the sole criteria by which we are to judge our conduct. No doubt there are some legislators who would be delighted by this extension of their responsibilities, but for anyone who cares both for freedom and civilization, the idea of such philosopher kings (who…Open
