3 ms·
Your first line is similar to a Dostoevsky quote: "The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons." (The House of the Dead)
by why-el 13y ago
Your first line is similar to a Dostoevsky quote:
"The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons." (The House of the Dead)
- jacquesm 13y agoInteresting, I have not read Dostoevsky but I don't think you need to be particularly smart or well read to come up with that line of reasoning, it seems common sense to me that when the other side has no power at all the freedom that gives to the side in power will show them at their worst. If that worst then is pretty good that would be a hallmark of a good society.
- corin_ 13y agoAgreed, it's not too dissimilar to the old mantra often totted out on HN that a person should be judged on how he treats those below him, rather than his equals - just on a larger scale. (Forgive me for not remembering / looking up a better worded quote.)
- pi18n 13y agoIt's also like the common advice that you should watch carefully how your date interacts with the waitstaff. It's too bad Americans can understand the one but not the other.
- jacquesm 13y agoInteresting, I wrote about exactly that a while ago, it wasn't a date but a business associate: http://jacquesmattheij.com/be-nice-to-those-that-serve-you http://jacquesmattheij.com/be-nice-to-those-that-serve-you