An interesting point, but not all individuals are afflicted by such things, and much of those traits are taught, not something inherited. If you are scolded for stealing as a child then it only makes sense that doing so would cause some anxiety even as an adult.
I would also argue that paranoia and fear are natural- if you do make a living out of being a thief then you should be wary. That is how you will survive while inevitably being hunted. Fear is the most primitive of emotions, and all creatures experience it.
[She’s making stronger points, but his experience with both humans and nonhumans has him at an advantage. ]
Humans are social animals, so it’s not surprising that they receive positive feedback from cooperation with their kind- but that’s not a marvel of morality, but rather another inherent instinct ingrained for your survival. There are merfolk, beastmen, and fae with similar instincts. They tend to be quite social, and function better in a group, but unlike your world, there are also those with inclinations of being loners and relying solely on themselves. You have merely not encountered them- it does not make them morally lesser, only not native to your world.
[The bit about Azul though, that gets him laughing. Like Azul would even need his help. And imagining the disaster of letting Azul stay for free- give him a moment he actually needs to collect himself after that.]
I would offer, but there would be an exchange or agreement of some sort. “Free is the most expensive price” or so he says. If he did accept it, he’d no doubt take advantage of it to my detriment. You will not meet a more shrewd and cunning individual than him, but he’s also remarkably intelligent. You simply need to know how to deal with him- though I may be biased in that assessment. He’s one of my brother and I’s oldest friends, and we have yet to see a dull day in his company.
no subject
I would also argue that paranoia and fear are natural- if you do make a living out of being a thief then you should be wary. That is how you will survive while inevitably being hunted. Fear is the most primitive of emotions, and all creatures experience it.
[She’s making stronger points, but his experience with both humans and nonhumans has him at an advantage. ]
Humans are social animals, so it’s not surprising that they receive positive feedback from cooperation with their kind- but that’s not a marvel of morality, but rather another inherent instinct ingrained for your survival. There are merfolk, beastmen, and fae with similar instincts. They tend to be quite social, and function better in a group, but unlike your world, there are also those with inclinations of being loners and relying solely on themselves. You have merely not encountered them- it does not make them morally lesser, only not native to your world.
[The bit about Azul though, that gets him laughing. Like Azul would even need his help. And imagining the disaster of letting Azul stay for free- give him a moment he actually needs to collect himself after that.]
I would offer, but there would be an exchange or agreement of some sort. “Free is the most expensive price” or so he says. If he did accept it, he’d no doubt take advantage of it to my detriment. You will not meet a more shrewd and cunning individual than him, but he’s also remarkably intelligent. You simply need to know how to deal with him- though I may be biased in that assessment. He’s one of my brother and I’s oldest friends, and we have yet to see a dull day in his company.