“The highest manifestation of life consists in this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat of a dead thing.”

Truth from the thoughts of one of history's greatest philosophers.Allowing people to make their own decisions in steering the course of their own lives is the greatest salute to individual liberty and sovereignty.Governments which promote this freedom empower their citizens to make the most of their own lives.

Wise words which so many in power and behind those in power today could benefit from...

Personal Responsibility, how novel. Laws of reason do one service, it points out how pathetic some are in the ability to control themselves. Laws may be needed at times but those who do the right thing just because of fearing prison rape are not exactly going to escape hell.

-- Gölök Zoltán Leenderdt Franco [Mes(-)Van Dongen] Buday

Well said!

I would love to govern my own actions, but the government continues to strip me of my ability to act, turning me into a zombie.

In the corporeal scope of subject addressed, absolutely. Though I don't agree with Aquinas's professed origination of law - "by reason of the mind"; I do agree with Aquinas, it is eternal.

I suspect Inge would be at odds with Aquinas's point of view.
Divine revelation Aquinas professes to, but not from Christ. Which is the source of the apostle Paul's divine revelation of liberty and freedom. ( Acts 9:4 ). Which is a pattern to them which should hereafter believe. ( I Timothy 1:16 ). ( II Corin 12:1 ) I will come to visions and revelation of the Lord. Verse seven sums up the position, " and lest I be exalted ( above measure ) through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh. "

Ever since I was a child I have been wanting to govern my own actions — I could hardly wait to be 'grown up.'  Unfortunately, every effort to govern my own actions is being countered with arbitrary regulation as if I were in school forever beholden to the teachers and principal.  Let me out of here! ;-)

Again, the fool keeps tabulations on others, while the wise keeps tabulations on themselves.