"The puritan hated bear baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators"
- Thomas B. Macaulay
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas B. Macaulay speaks with the Puritan's values and their hostility to activities that bring pleasure. Bear baiting was a popular form of amusement in the 16th and also 17th centuries, where a bear was tethered to a stake and also pet dogs were established upon it. The Puritans found this activity to be morally remiss, not due to the discomfort caused on the bear, however because it brought pleasure to the viewers. This quote speaks to the Puritan's rigorous moral code, which was based upon the belief that enjoyment was wicked and also need to be avoided. The Puritans believed that enjoyment was a distraction from the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment which it ought to be stayed clear of. This quote likewise talks to the Puritans' sense of justice, as they believed that animals must not be subjected to discomfort and enduring for the sake of enjoyment. The Puritans' values was based on the idea that satisfaction was wicked and need to be prevented, and this quote talks with their hostility to tasks that bring pleasure.
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