inbox.

[assistente]

written correspondence preferred. please don't leave complaints here.

Comments

[assistente]

Hm.

[Salvio sits back in chair a little as he turns this over.]

I would... agree with that, I think. Though a noble deed, even if done for a selfish reason... it would still carry a benefit, yes?

[skulltasm]

OUTWARDLY, PERHAPS. BUT HOW DOES IT REFLECT ON THE QUALITY OF THE DOER'S CHARACTER?

[ A gentle tipping from side to side. ]

IF SOMEONE TRIES TO BE A GOOD PERSON FOR PERSONAL GAIN, DOES THE GOODNESS EVENTUALLY TAKE HOLD AND SUPERCEDE THE SELFISH MOTIVATION? OR ARE THEY NO DIFFERENT THAN WHEN THEY STARTED BECAUSE OF THEIR MOTIVATION BEING SELF-SERVING?

[assistente]

If the initial selfish motivation eventually is superseded by genuine goodness, that would transform the character. If it were a true and genuine goodness and a, um, true transformation. Would be my thought.

[The statement had started with confidence and grown weaker by the end. Salvio frowns.]

And-- well. Impossible to measure. Unless by the, um, Maker. Is there a right answer?

[skulltasm]

OF COURSE NOT, SAL. IT'S PHILOSOPHY. IF THERE WERE A RIGHT ANSWER A GREAT MANY ACADEMICS WOULD BE OUT OF A JOB.

[assistente]

Oh.

[Somewhat flustered, Salvio looks down at the page that he was writing. He picks up his pen, then sets it down again.]

Well, yes. I know that, of course, that is-- that is quite true. I only meant that, um. Perhaps you might have had some, some further insight.

[skulltasm]

NOPE.

[ Brightly. Almost friendly, even. ]

JUST SEEING WHAT YOU THOUGHT ON THE MATTER. NOT REALLY SURE WHY, IT JUST POPPED INTO MY HEAD.

SO YOU THINK A MAN WHO STEALS FROM ANOTHER MAN TO FEED A FAMILY IS STILL A BAD PERSON, BECAUSE THE ACT OF THEFT IS WRONG?