Keeping Honest People Honest

Since bicycles and motorcycles are the most popular vehicles in and around Antigua Guatemala, it is obvious they are also the vehicles most frequently stolen. Often you see bicycles chained to a window as above or to a light pole or any kind permanent structure. However, I have always believe this is just a deterrent to keep honest people honest; the same as car alarms, since determined thieves stop at nothing. Don’t you agree?

2 Responses to "Keeping Honest People Honest"

Willy says:
April 28, 2013 at 4:04 am
You pose a fascinating philosophical question. If I truly value honesty, are deterrents the only thing keeping me honest? If so, it seems that I’m honest only by default. The other side of this coin might be more that “desperate times require desperate measures.” If the only way that I can feed my family is by stealing your bicycle then I will most likely choose that option. I won’t pretend that I’m an honest man. Instead, I am recognizing the value of self-preservation as taking priority over that of being honest. Honesty, philosophically speaking, is a fine value. However! I may be in no position to actualize it. I’m not an honest man at that point, but that’s the decision I have made.
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Eric says:
April 29, 2013 at 9:18 am
I think you are 100% correct, Rudy; clearly the chain is not meant to deter the thieves…if this were in Boston, the seat, both wheels and probably the pedals would be gone…
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Keeping Honest People Honest

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