Hagger 9003 wrote: would they prefer freedom if it came with murder, crime, drugs, lies, betrayal, war, povery, sadness, and all the bad things in the world? being a "slave" lets you escape this world, and you are safe from it. you dont have to worry about the bad stuff.
This made me think. And I came to a conclusion which might be considered arrogant or self-righteous, but I'm willing to defend it.
The human mind, intelligence, common sense, a conscience, the ability to resist instinct - these things are said to be what distinguishes us from animals, what makes us civil and "special", what entitles us to human rights. But in my opinion, it also results in responsibility. For a potentially intelligent being, freedom is not (only) a right, but a duty.
There is a very thin line between tolerance and indifference, and if we choose to nestle in the cosiness of being lead, of not being responsible for anything, or if we choose what is easy over what we think is right, we are guilty.
I believe that, though the world may not just be black and white, what is right and what is wrong is not intirely relative. And I believe that there are basic moral principles that are unquestionable, such as man's right to live, freedom and equality.
So, if house elves are intelligent, this applies to them as well.
Tanuki wrote:In the end, I believe servitude to be a better way for humans to live.
You included?