To a large degree, our values "just happen"—like our brains. When our values conflict—the value of preventing suffering versus the value of preserving the human species—we are tempted to choose the latter because it feels axiomatic to us. But that is a reason to treat it with extra suspicion, not to treat it as axiomatic.
This quote argues for a position, which is why I think it currently sits ugly at 0 karma after having sat ugly at 1 for a while, but I think, inseparable from the position being argued for, it espouses an important general principle which one should not simply ignore because it can apply to one's preconception; indeed (applying its lesson) that is precisely when we need the principle most.
So while I would have just taken the general principle out from Sister Y's post if it were possible for me to do so (and taken the mediocre three to four karma I would ha...
Here's the new thread for posting quotes, with the usual rules: