> If I have devised a fool-proof way to steal X dollars from somebody...
Keep in mind, the vast majority of the duration of modern man on Earth was spent *prior* to people haing much in the way of stuff. Super-criminals and perfect criems and whatnot were not a concern... living to next week was. THAT was the crucible in which our sense of morality evolved.
So, yeah, there are situations brought about by relatively recent developments that challenge my basic hypothesis. But that's when man's capacity for *reason* kicks in. Most of us know instinctively that theft is basically wrong. Those that don't know that instictively... well, let's hope they get religion and live in fear of eternal punishment.
Blackadder: (grabs Baldrick by the lapels) *We* are going to go to Mrs. Miggins', we're going to find out where Dr. Johnson keeps a copy of that Dictionary, and then *you* are going to steal it.
Baldrick: Me?
Blackadder: Yes, you!
Baldrick: Why me?
Blackadder: Because you burnt it, Baldrick.
Baldrick: But then I'll go to Hell forever for stealing.
Blackadder: Baldrick, believe me: eternity in the company of Beezlebub and all his hellish instruments of death will be a picnic compared to five minutes with me -- and this pencil -- if we can't replace this Dictionary.