video, un: revolution

[idealisme]

What would you die for?


[There's no preamble. Enjolras is not in the mood to set the scene. He's been thinking and gotten nowhere so he wants the input of others. Over his shoulder it's apparent his room a shambles, a young man living alone with his mind on things other than housekeeping.]

For myself there's a cause that I've given all my life to. It's the highest ideal I can imagine. I know that is not a usual thing. Life is precious; until I woke up here I'd have said that death precluded any second chances at it. But that's beside the point.

I ask because I thought I others shared my opinions. It is rational to give your life only for the most important ideal. Sacrificing yourself for just anything- to get any item or even for another person... [His lips pinch together in thought, his eyes look distant for a moment.] I have not been able to reconcile it.

[A quick sigh escapes him, frustrated.]

I would appreciate your sincere answers and insights. Thank you.

Comments

[idealisme]

[Having the nerve in the moment- something like a grim smile appears on Enjolras' face for a moment. A second later it's gone.]

What heritage is that? Is it expected that your family will sacrifice themselves for others?

[fiendennor]

As long as the Cavendish household has existed, we have been healers of the sick and injured. During times of war, my forebears would open our home as a hospital, and would take in enemy and ally alike, even against the wishes of the king. It isn't the same thing, really, but I'd like to think I'd treat the life of someone I didn't know equally as dearly as I would that of a friend.

[idealisme]

Your family seems a rare one, that would use it's power to benefit others.

[Few of the rich families Enjolras would have done the same.] You must be proud of that.

[fiendennor]

When I was a girl, my mother would often tell me stories about those who had come before me. I was proud of them then, and I try to follow their example now. Those with power, be it societal, political, magical, or otherwise, have the duty to use that power responsibly for the good of others.

[idealisme]

[Enjolras shouldn't be this surprised to find an opinion here that he wholeheartedly agrees with.]

You were fortunate to have such a mother. Mine would have been horrified at the idea.

[fiendennor]

[Her expression and voice soften, not much-- but enough to be noticeable.] Yes, I was. She was an incredible person whom I admired greatly-- and do still.

--yours would not have approved of those born into good fortune using it to help those without?

[idealisme]

[He scoffs sarcastically.] She named me after the son of the king who'd been executed in the name of the French people. It was her only hope to see our nation return to how it had been- with the rich living their rich lives, and the poor out of sight and mind.

[fiendennor]

[That's right. Royalists.] She's hardly the only person of wealth and privilege to think that way, I suppose.

Did she think that giving aid to the needy was immoral? Or just something she didn't want to think about at all?

[idealisme]

She thought that giving a paltry sum to others to do that work would be enough to do her duty as a Catholic. [Another scoff. Enjolras doesn't put much faith in the Church either.]

[fiendennor]

...I can see your frustration, then.

I have no qualms with those who are only able to contribute money rather than time or effort. I can't ask everything from everybody. But those who have much, should contribute much.

[idealisme]

That goes without saying.

But it cannot be enforced without a system which sees it that way. So long as the rich hold the reigns of power, they will steer nations down the road which discomfort them the least.

[fiendennor]

Power can tantalize and corrupt any man, no matter their birth. You spoke of the French Revolution-- for all its leaders' noble goals, didn't it, too, have its share of excess and overreach?

Where-- and when-- I'm from, Robespierre is thought of as little better than the king he had executed.

[idealisme]

[Enjolras physically draws himself up, offended.]

There are things which must be done in the transition between despotism and repuclic. Terrible things, but necessary all the same.

[fiendennor]

Perhaps that is true.

But Robespierre himself was finally sent to the guillotine as well. Doesn't that prove my point-- regardless of a man's motivations or goals, power can corrupt him?