Slavery
Persons of the Dialogue
Director
Professor
1
"There is slavery in fact, and slavery in mind."
"Mind is fact," said Director.
"Of course, of course. But you know what I mean."
"Can you be a slave in fact without being a slave in mind?"
"Yes. People even in the worst of circumstances manage to keep their minds free. It is certainly possible."
"Can you be a slave in mind without being a slave in fact? That seems the more interesting question to me."
"Mental slavery can happen in any set of circumstances, no matter how well off they might seem."
Director nodded thoughtfully. "How would you describe mental slavery?"
"The mind is dominated by fear."
"Fear of what?"
"Anything. It doesn't matter. It can be fear of losing your job, fear of what other people will think, fear of violent death, fear of God - anything.
"What's the opposite of mental slavery? Mental mastership?"
"You know, it's funny - I've never thought of it. Yes, I guess we can call that state of mind mental mastership."
"Is it purely the opposite of mental slavery?"
"Yes, let's say it is the mind dominated by... bravery?"
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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