> But I think the message is, as it’s carried over the years, is that there’s one sin, which is to treat people as things. And most of the other things of mankind, actually stem from that sin.
I remember reading that bit years ago, it was said by Granny Weatherwax (I don't remember which book it was in, though). It resonated deeply with me, and I find it an astute observation.
"There is a very interesting debate raging at the moment about the nature of sin, for example,” said Oats. “And what do they think? Against it, are they?” said Granny Weatherwax.
“It’s not as simple as that. It’s not a black and white issue. There are so many shades of gray.”
“Nope.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s no grays, only white that’s got grubby. I’m surprised you don’t know that. And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself. That’s what sin is.
“It’s a lot more complicated than that . . .”
“No. It ain’t. When people say things are a lot more complicated than that, they means they’re getting worried that they won’t like the truth. People as things, that’s where it starts.”
“Oh, I’m sure there are worse crimes ...”
“But they starts with thinking about people as things ...”
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[ 5.3 ms ] story [ 35.1 ms ] threadI remember reading that bit years ago, it was said by Granny Weatherwax (I don't remember which book it was in, though). It resonated deeply with me, and I find it an astute observation.
here's a good post about it: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2011/09/terry-pra...
which quotes the passage in question:
"There is a very interesting debate raging at the moment about the nature of sin, for example,” said Oats. “And what do they think? Against it, are they?” said Granny Weatherwax.
“It’s not as simple as that. It’s not a black and white issue. There are so many shades of gray.”
“Nope.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s no grays, only white that’s got grubby. I’m surprised you don’t know that. And sin, young man, is when you treat people as things. Including yourself. That’s what sin is.
“It’s a lot more complicated than that . . .”
“No. It ain’t. When people say things are a lot more complicated than that, they means they’re getting worried that they won’t like the truth. People as things, that’s where it starts.”
“Oh, I’m sure there are worse crimes ...”
“But they starts with thinking about people as things ...”