Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by spingsprong 4454 days ago
John steals Simon's fish.

Therefore it's okay for Simon to rob Andrew?

3 comments

Depends on the relationship between John and Andrew.
If Andrew didn't help Simon taking back his fish or prevent the stealing even though he knew about it then John has to conclude it's a free for all game with stealing allowed (or not punished, which doesn't change the outcome anyway).
It may not be okay, but Simon may have no choice but to steal.

Some of the things we do (in the US and other developed nations) have far-reaching global consequences, in certain cases destroying lives and livelihoods. But we're always outraged when these affected people react in ways we find uncomfortable.

> Simon may have no choice but to steal

There's always a choice. Thievery is despicable.

You can't envisage a single scenario where you would steal? Or where it was the lesser evil?