Quote by Thomas Babington Macaulay

The puritan hated bear baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators.

The puritan hated bear baiting, not because it gave pain to

Summary

This quote suggests that the puritan's dislike for bear baiting was not rooted in empathy for the bear's suffering, but rather because they disapproved of the enjoyment people derived from watching such cruel acts. It highlights the puritan's strict morality and belief in rejecting pleasures that were deemed sinful or immoral. The quote implies that, for the puritan, the notion of finding pleasure in others' pain would be completely unacceptable, reflecting their desire for a more austere and virtuous society.

Topics

Religion

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

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