Ten Prescriptions

Ten Prescriptions

 

No murder.

No perjury.

No stealing.

No slavery.

No rape.

No torture.

Honor and protect your parents, children, and spouse.

Take a day off work once a week.

Do to others what you would have them do to you.

Seek no control over another’s thoughts or speech.

 

Note that ‘murder’ is illegal killing and ‘perjury’ is lying in court. You can still swat flies, eat animals, and shoot at invading soldiers; and you can still flatter your boss and your spouse. These prescriptions take human nature into account.

          “Do to others” is partly a prescription, but also partly a diagnosis. We do treat others as we treat ourselves, and vice versa. We can’t help it, we’re social animals.

          “Seek no control” is the most modern and liberal of these prescriptions.

          Suggestions for changing this list are welcome. These are prescriptions, not commandments. They are relative truths; for an absolute truth is a half-truth plus a drop of poison.

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