Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
to be rather desired than dreaded, why has man the instinctive horror of death which causes
him to shrink from it?
"We have said that man should seek to prolong his life in order to accomplish his task. To
this end God has given him the instinct of self-preservation, and this instinct sustains him
under all his trials; but for it, he would too often abandon himself to discouragement. The
inner voice, which tells him to repel death, tells him also that he may yet do something more
for his advancement. Every danger that threatens him is a warning that bids him make a
profitable use of the respite granted to him by God; but he, ungrateful, gives thanks more
often to his 'star' than to his Creator."
731. Why has nature placed agents of destruction side by side with the means of
preservation?
"We have already told you that it is in order to maintain equilibrium, and to serve as a
counterpoise. The malady and the remedy are placed side by side."
732. Is the need of destruction the same in all worlds?
"It is proportioned to the more or less material state of each world; it ceases altogether in
worlds of higher physical and moral purity. In worlds more advanced than yours, the
conditions of existence are altogether different."
733. Will the necessity of destruction always exist for the human race of this earth?
"The need of destruction diminishes in man in proportion as his spirit obtains ascendancy
over matter. Consequently, you see that intellectual and moral development is always
accompanied by a horror of destruction."
734. Has man, in his present state, an unlimited right of destruction in regard to animals?
"That right is limited to providing for his food and his safety; no abuse can be a matter of
right."
735. What is to be thought of destruction that goes beyond the limits of needs and of safety; of
hunting, for instance, when it has no useful aim, and is resorted to from no other motive than
the pleasure of killing?
"It is a predominance of bestiality over the spiritual nature. All destruction that goes beyond
the limits of your needs is a violation of the law of God. The animals only destroy according
to the