| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Cousin Pons by Honore de Balzac: A Prince of Bohemia
Cousin Betty
Popinot, Vicomte
Cousin Betty
Rivet, Achille
Cousin Betty
Schmucke, Wilhelm
A Daughter of Eve
Ursule Mirouet
Scenes from a Courtesan's Life
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Philebus by Plato: and order. To such a view the present mixed state of the world, not wholly
evil or wholly good, is supposed to be a witness. More we might desire to
have, but are not permitted. Though a human tyrant would be intolerable, a
divine tyrant is a very tolerable governor of the universe. This is the
doctrine of Thrasymachus adapted to the public opinion of modern times.
There is yet a third view which combines the two:--freedom is obedience to
the law, and the greatest order is also the greatest freedom; 'Act so that
thy action may be the law of every intelligent being.' This view is noble
and elevating; but it seems to err, like other transcendental principles of
ethics, in being too abstract. For there is the same difficulty in
connecting the idea of duty with particular duties as in bridging the gulf
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Crito by Plato: argue that this law should not be set aside; and shall we reply, 'Yes; but
the state has injured us and given an unjust sentence.' Suppose I say
that?
CRITO: Very good, Socrates.
SOCRATES: 'And was that our agreement with you?' the law would answer; 'or
were you to abide by the sentence of the state?' And if I were to express
my astonishment at their words, the law would probably add: 'Answer,
Socrates, instead of opening your eyes--you are in the habit of asking and
answering questions. Tell us,--What complaint have you to make against us
which justifies you in attempting to destroy us and the state? In the
first place did we not bring you into existence? Your father married your
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