JB/015/268/001

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118

The Instructor makes four special and undoubted exceptions. Self-slayers, duellists robbers, and
men who devote themselves to danger or death in defence of their liberty, these
are not men of fortitude. Their doings deserve not any of its praise.

A man who puts an end to his own existence, cannot be a man of
fortitude. Would you know why? Because suicide is unlawful.

A man who slays another, – or is slain by another in a duel cannot
be a man of fortitude. Why? Because he ought not to have fought.

A man dies defending his own liberty. He must be a coward. Justice
was not on his side.

A robber plays the hero. Is he a brave courageous man? Not he, – for what business
had he to be on the highway.

But if consistency were looked for – if in orthodox or fashionable
faith, nonsense were an impediment were to its the reception of that faith – one might suggest
that it would be well to apply the principle to practice. Among the whole tribe
of conquerors where would the man of fortitude be found? Your Alexanders –
your Cæsars – your Ghenghis Khans, – your Napoleons – what were they all –
any thing but men of fortitude.

When the protection afforded to absurdity is such that no one can
upon open his mouth against it, – its march is bold & imposing. You may grant
or deny at your pleasure, the praise of fortitude to those who voluntarily
thrust themselves upon danger or death – they shall be called brave men – or cowards
according to your bidding.

Identifier: | JB/015/268/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 15.
Date_1		Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	015	Main Headings	deontology
Folio number	268	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles
Category	linking material	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	f118
Penner	sir john bowring	Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	5484
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