Original sin, Ted. And despair. Many people don't even think of their own lives as a gift - although they certainly consider them more valuable than other people's lives, especially if the other person is "in their way" in some fashion. Why did Cain kill Abel? Because he damaged Cain's self-esteem.
Why do people kill unborn children, or shoot at drivers who turned in front of them without signalling? Solipsism - "nothing really exists except me."
What worries me is that the concept is being changed. The core concept that allows us to have a foundation to fight against it is being removed.
I am weird I guess but I would find Michael just going in and put a pillow over Terri's face it far less troubling then I find his going to court and trying to get societal approval for his actions.
As long as the concept remains the ideal, (even if it is not always followed) then the possibility for human and societal improvement remains. But if the ideal it’s self is thrown away then what hope is there?
Why do people kill unborn children, or shoot at drivers who turned in front of them without signalling? Solipsism - "nothing really exists except me."
Very well-said! It's the "all about me" attitude that has ruined society.