論工業社會及其未來-72

72

現代社會在某些方面是極為放任的。在和此系統運作無關的事情上我們通常可以為所欲為。我們可以信仰任何想信的宗教（只要該宗教不鼓勵對系統造成危險的行為）。我們可以和任何人上床（只要我們實行「安全性行為」）。我們可以做所有我們想做的事只要它是無關緊要的事。但在所有重要的事情上這系統往往愈發規範我們的行為。

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72

Modern society is in certain respects extremely permissive. In matters that are irrelevant to the functioning of the system we can generally do what we please. We can believe in any religion we like (as long as it does not encourage behavior that is dangerous to the system). We can go to bed with anyone we like (as long as we practice “safe sex”). We can do anything we like as long as it is UNIMPORTANT. But in all IMPORTANT matters the system tends increasingly to regulate our behavior.