Heroist
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Klin had long considered visiting one of the philosophical events held in the city, but he couldn't quite bring himself to do it: back home, people were simpler, and it was much easier to communicate with them than to share thoughts with strangers of higher status. Say something wrong, and you'll end up in jail, or even serving a life sentence... well, yes.
—I must admit that Lord Creon is right," he nodded slightly to his fellow man, "that at our current level of civilization, state assistance is indispensable. In my travels, I have often observed how easily people turn on each other, as soon as they feel free from the controlling hand on their necks. I've heard these arguments about "just find a job and don't steal," "just pay for everything yourself" many times before, usually from people who are inspired by success and wealth. A high-ranking person legitimately believes that they see and know everything better than those below them, but in reality, many important details are lost from that height.
—The state, as it is, has indeed imposed its rules on us, and to oppose it means to doom one's Community to destruction at the hands of neighbors, but in reality, it is only a cog that keeps the imperfect human system from collapsing. Taxes or voluntary contributions, an army or private security, social assistance or donations – all are merely different sides of the same coin, trying to hide the dirty essence of mortal nature. Our entire monetary system, born of greed and the desire for profit, will emerge victorious from any debate and resolve any dispute in its favor.
—In my mountain settlement, where I come from, I heard stories from the elders about long-gone times when we didn't pay taxes, and we only used money to trade with foreign merchants. We built roads and bridges because it was necessary for us and our loved ones, and we didn't need to count iron coins to understand our present and future. But we are not alone in this big world, and over time, our loyal neighbors turned away towards the mountains of money promised by guests from the underworld. And when one of the lords came to us with a legion of soldiers, our entire system collapsed immediately, and since then, we have honestly and fairly contributed money to the empire's treasury for protection and patronage.
—That is why, gentlemen, I cannot find the truth in this dispute. Whether there are taxes or not, it will not change the essence. Free Communities will always be crushed by the first one that forms a strong state, while the state, by its very nature, condemns people to inequality through politics and taxation. The answer to today's question lies not in absolute and radical methods, but in the inner nature of humanity – in the purity of our own souls and hearts.
—I must admit that Lord Creon is right," he nodded slightly to his fellow man, "that at our current level of civilization, state assistance is indispensable. In my travels, I have often observed how easily people turn on each other, as soon as they feel free from the controlling hand on their necks. I've heard these arguments about "just find a job and don't steal," "just pay for everything yourself" many times before, usually from people who are inspired by success and wealth. A high-ranking person legitimately believes that they see and know everything better than those below them, but in reality, many important details are lost from that height.
—The state, as it is, has indeed imposed its rules on us, and to oppose it means to doom one's Community to destruction at the hands of neighbors, but in reality, it is only a cog that keeps the imperfect human system from collapsing. Taxes or voluntary contributions, an army or private security, social assistance or donations – all are merely different sides of the same coin, trying to hide the dirty essence of mortal nature. Our entire monetary system, born of greed and the desire for profit, will emerge victorious from any debate and resolve any dispute in its favor.
—In my mountain settlement, where I come from, I heard stories from the elders about long-gone times when we didn't pay taxes, and we only used money to trade with foreign merchants. We built roads and bridges because it was necessary for us and our loved ones, and we didn't need to count iron coins to understand our present and future. But we are not alone in this big world, and over time, our loyal neighbors turned away towards the mountains of money promised by guests from the underworld. And when one of the lords came to us with a legion of soldiers, our entire system collapsed immediately, and since then, we have honestly and fairly contributed money to the empire's treasury for protection and patronage.
—That is why, gentlemen, I cannot find the truth in this dispute. Whether there are taxes or not, it will not change the essence. Free Communities will always be crushed by the first one that forms a strong state, while the state, by its very nature, condemns people to inequality through politics and taxation. The answer to today's question lies not in absolute and radical methods, but in the inner nature of humanity – in the purity of our own souls and hearts.
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