In this Western novel, Louis Lamour expresses his views on human nature and the purpose of civilization, as expressed by the gunslinger, Owen Chantry. These views, traditional and true, are similar to what I believe.
On Page 33: "If there is to be civilization, if people are to live and make their homes here, there must be law.
People often think of the law as restrictions, but it needn't be, unless it is carried to extremes. Laws can give us freedom, because they offer security from the cruel, the brutal and the thieves of property."
This 19th century views of human nature as basically depraved led people to conclude civilization was a thin veneer of training holding each member of society barely under control. Law and order as provided by government and law enforcement kept the forces of darkness and lawlessness at bay.
We have the same challenges today, but it is worse now because the intractable are given license by liberal apologists. Each individual and potential perpetrator must be held accountable for his behavior and misbehavior.
We must have security, stability, prosperity, law and order in the streets. The way to achieve these needs while allowing the individual maximum liberty is to teach the young to self-realize. Their self-disciplining consciences will lead them to control themselves while enjoying maximum freedom to do their own thing. That way a thin layer of law enforcement and bureaucratic government are all that are needed for society to function and operate.
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