The “least common denominator”
All cultures, religions, and philosophies disagree on many moral issues (marriage, diet, rituals, sexuality, wealth distribution, etc.)…
Yet, one thing unites us all: no one wishes to be the victim of aggression. No one wishes to have their life, body, or property violated against their will.
Therefore, not aggressing is the fundamental root of morality that all reasonable people agree on. It is the ‘least common denominator’ - no contested moral preferences are added beyond this shared baseline.
Respect for the law, which requires us not to aggress against each other, is what makes us civilized. It’s a gift for humanity.
- Lions and chimpanzees, for example, have no such laws, and it is not uncommon for males to kill the offspring of other males when given a chance. The gift of reason and the subsequent law to not aggress against each other is of immeasurable value.
The law should reflect this most fundamental moral root is a common foundation upon which civilized people agree: that aggressing is wrong. We can never achieve world freedom and peace until enough people agree on this fundamental point.