“What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly – that is the first law of nature.” – Voltaire
Based on what I’ve seen of the world, I don’t know that Voltaire accurately described the first law of nature, but it is certainly an important law. Hopefully I will be forgiven for critiquing one of the great thinkers. The problem is, some people lack humanity. It is often worse with childless people, especially people who choose to be childless for one reason or another, selfishness being closely related to a lack of humanity. Having children helps complete you as a human being. On the other hand, children can be very dangerous. Life and death mean little to many and poor choices are easy to come by when you lack humanity, as many young people do. I certainly did when I was young, though not as badly as some.
Another quote attributed to Voltaire but apparently not actually said by him is “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This used to be a common sentiment in America, among liberals (actual liberals, not leftists) and conservatives alike but we seem to have lost our way.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family.
