"We may define a Puritan as a man who holds that certain kinds of acts, even if they have no visible bad effects upon others than the agent, are inherently sinful, and, being sinful, ought to be prevented by whatever means is most effectual - the criminal law if possible, and, if not that, then public opinion backed by economic pressure." | by: | Bertrand Russell [Bertrand Arthur William Russell] (1872-1970) Philosopher, educator |
Source: | The Recrudescence of Puritanism, in Sceptical Essays, 1928
http://www.panarchy.org/russell/puritanism.html |
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