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Sin is cruelty and injustice, all else is peccadillo. Oh…

“Sin is cruelty and injustice, all else is peccadillo. Oh, a sense of sin comes from violating the customs of your tribe. But breaking custom is not sin even when it feels so; sin is wronging another person.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein
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“Sin is cruelty and injustice, all else is peccadillo. Oh, a sense of sin comes from violating the customs of your tribe. But breaking custom is not sin even when it feels so; sin is wronging another person.”

Robert A. Heinlein

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Sin is harming others; breaking customs isn’t sin unless it harms someone.

In simple terms: Sin = harming others; customs ≠ sin.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize harm over tradition.

Themes

morality customs harm

Mood

analytical ethical

Type

philosophical normative

When to use this quote

  • legal reforms
  • cultural shifts
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

ethical relativism social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does breaking a custom benefit others?
  • How to balance tradition with justice?
A Different Perspective

Customs can protect valuable social bonds.

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