Looking for a series of comments on the right to live free from pain.

June 8, 2014 6:39 AM

This is very unspecific, but I remember there being a thread somewhere on the site with a discussion about whether people had the right to live free of pain (or maybe it was to live free of offence), and someone said in a succinct and impressive way that no, nobody had the right to live free of pain/offence, but that it was a noble cause to work towards. I've searched my favourite history for the comment/s, but have found nothing. Can you help?

Thanks, MeFites!

posted by Quilford to MetaFilter-Related at 6:39 AM (14 comments total)

It must have been an Australian thing...we're currently dealing with an abominable government repealing laws about this vis a vis racial discrimination.
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-24/brandis-defends-right-to-be-a-bigot/5341552


There's a lot of discussion about a "person" called Andrew Bolt who inspired this revision. Perhaps these terms will help your google-fu.
posted by taff at 8:21 AM on June 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

I'm Australian! But no, I don't think the discussion took place around Australia-related events.
posted by Quilford at 8:35 AM on June 8, 2014

Likely this post by mhoye.

(g terms: site:metafilter.com pain right "noble goal")
posted by curious.jp at 10:32 AM on June 8, 2014 [2 favorites]

That's it, curious.jp, thanks.
posted by Quilford at 4:34 PM on June 8, 2014

Excellent link. I totally missed that discussion. Always happy to insert an Abbott government microscope , though.

(If you're Australian.....not in Sydney by any chance? Meet up on Wednesday. They're stupidly rare in Aus.)
posted by taff at 5:04 PM on June 8, 2014

(Can't make this one, ugh ): Maybe next time.)
posted by Quilford at 6:21 PM on June 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

Bugger. If you put in your coordinates in your profile you'll get notifications of meet ups in the area in future. I can't remember where I put mine...the Opera House or something...so it doesn't have to identify where you actually live or work....just gives some anchor to the notifications. Unless you read IRL.... which I can't imagine you would, it's pretty light reading as it appears we Australians are lazy bastards.


TriviaNewtonJohn is coming back to Sydders for a few days in the next month. Hoping there will be another, unprecedented, meet up shortly.

The Sydney mob are most superior and excellent MeFites. Except for His Thoughts are Red Thoughts. He's just a very naughty boy.
posted by taff at 6:34 PM on June 8, 2014

I am moving to Sydney next week! I am sad to miss this meet-up and would love to have another one soon.
posted by lollusc at 11:31 PM on June 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

We will make it so. And insist the awesome smoke makes an appearance.
posted by taff at 12:40 AM on June 9, 2014

The Sydney mob are most superior and excellent MeFites. Except for His Thoughts are Red Thoughts. He's just a very naughty boy.

Pah. I deny your rules and your strictures! Your borders are illusion, your laws a fantasy. I am no rebel, for there is nothing to rebel against; only self-imposed confines of your own fears!
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:50 AM on June 9, 2014 [2 favorites]

Seriously though, what are we talking about?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:51 AM on June 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

I am moving to Sydney next week! I am sad to miss this meet-up and would love to have another one soon.

Awesome! Let's put a meetup together when you're moved in and settled.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:52 AM on June 9, 2014

As I sit here in my hotel laundry room ensuring that I have clothes to wear to meet you all, I am getting very excited about tomorrow's meetup. Yay!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:36 AM on June 10, 2014 [1 favorite]

I am severely envious of your meetup (but have my fingers crossed that I can call at least one in Oz late this year).
posted by EvaDestruction at 6:27 AM on June 10, 2014