"...bathing in the decency of the twentieth century Netherlands." (6, p. 521)
- and meanwhile also retrieves data on history, anthropology and geography.
The fourth aspect of the narrative, not yet encountered by Everard, is the evolution of mythology, beginning:
"By day Niaerdh roamed among the seals and whales and fish she had made." (I, p. 467)
- and ending:
"Ave Stella Maris!" (IV, p. 640)
This might be the most multi-layered Time Patrol instalment.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Unfortunately, I don't consider all aspects of life in the Netherlands (or the US) to be decent. Abortion is "legal" there and Anderson wrote before something as disgusting as "euthanasia" was "legalized" in that country. Both are contrary to justice!
Ad astra! Sean
Sean: I consider both the 'evils' you mention to sometimes be the least bad option.
Kaor, Jim!
I disagree, because all DIRECT murders of innocent human lives can never be justified.
Note, that does not mean, for example, a pregnant woman ill from cancer cannot seek medical care for the CANCER. It would be morally licit for her to seek such care even if the drugs used for treating cancer caused the child's death. Because that death was not directly intended. It was a secondary effect from treating the cancer.
I strongly suspect the safest places for an elderly man or woman in the Netherlands would be homes for the aged run by Catholics faithful to the teachings of the faith! Because they would be on their guard for people trying to kill of inconvenient old coots.
Ad astra! Sean
What is often called 'euthanasia' is generally assisted suicide. My understanding is that where it is legal there are substantial safeguards to ensure that it is in fact wanted by the person because his/her conditions are too miserable.
Kaor, Jim!
Again, I have to disagree. All convinced Catholics would regard suicide with as much horror and dismay as we do abortions. And it would be a deadly sin to abet or assist in any such suicides.
Ad astra! Sean
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