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Robert M. Pirsig, “Lila”
Human Rights

What is meant by “human rights” is usually the moral code of intellect-vs.-society, the moral right of intellect to be free of social control. Freedom of speech; freedom of assembly, of travel; trial by jury; habeas corpus; government by consent—these “human rights” are all intellect-vs.-society issues. According to the Metaphysics of Quality these “human rights” have not just a sentimental basis, but a rational, metaphysical basis. They are essential to the evolution of a higher level of life from a lower level of life. They are for real.
society, translation