For the first time I was free. There were no prohibited places in all the realms of thought — no air, no space, where fancy could not spread her painted wings — no chains for my limbs — no lashes for my back — no fires for my flesh — no master’s frown or threat — no following another’s steps — no need to bow, or cringe, or crawl, or utter lying words. I was free. I stood erect and fearlessly, joyously, faced all worlds.
→ Why I am agnostic, by Robert Green Ingersoll, 1896: www.infidels.org
Looking up words from the above essay, I found that the etymology of “heretic” is from the Greek “hairetikos,” or “able to choose.” Which implies what? That humans are either heretics by design, or that those who have free will (and use it, one might presume) are not worthy of God? Or is that me putting too much into it?
OOOhhh… can’t find the words flem or coughing anywhere in this post are we turning a corner…. accepting our sickness are we?
Not really. I just have to edit the phlegm post first.