HRF Week Two: Excessive Love
“There is in love a strong mixture of humanity, generosity, kindness, friendship, esteem; passions with which, of all others, for reasons which shall be explained immediately, we have the greatest propensity to sympathize, even notwithstanding we are sensible that they are, in some measure, excessive.”
Adam Smith, A Theory of Moral Sentiments
Excessive love is problematic when it violates the Principle of Human Respect.
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Perpetrating violence is wrong, even when done lovingly.
Stealing is wrong, even when done generously.
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Wrong is a value judgement. Violence and thievery have specific and measurable effects:
Even when done lovingly, perpetrating violence against someone reduces their happiness.
Even when generous with the spoils, stealing from someone reduces their happiness.
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There is a challenge in the fact that we “have the greatest propensity to sympathize” with the various elements of the “strong mixture” that Smith mentions; violence and theft are unjust powers, exercised often.
This reality has downstream consequences in law and governance. What is each person free to do? What agency can and cannot be delegated? Where do we draw the line on the facets of love among the vastly diverse and undeniably valuable human race?
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Any socioeconomic system in which consent is intact in law, properly constrains love.
Any system in which consent is not intact in law, over-constrains love.
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To codify law otherwise is to stand against and punish peaceful love and happiness, a place law should never be.
Read more about the Human Respect Fellowship and the Foundation for Harmony and Prosperity
