"Sin lies only in hurting other people unnecessarily. All other "sins" are invented nonsense. (Hurting yourself is not sinful" - just stupid). -- Lazarus Long

As one of science fiction's most iconic characters, Lazarus Long, shares profound wisdom through his 127 years of life, his latest insight reveals the true nature of human transgression: "Sin lies only in hurting other people unnecessarily. All other 'sins' are invented nonsense. (Hurrying yourself is not sinful; just stupid)." This novel assertion aims to challenge modern conventional definitions of sin and wrongdoing, replacing the guilt and shame associated with these concepts with greater self-awareness and responsibility toward our fellow humans.

Lazarus Long's statement proposes an unusual yet captivating hypothesis: that harm to others is the only true sin. Rather than adhering to established religious dogmas or societal norms, he suggests that what we often deem as sin - pride, jealousy, lust, gluttony, and so forth - are all constructs of the human imagination. Such an ethical perspective places a heavy burden on individuals to cultivate empathy, humility, and compassion as the pillars for moral behavior.

With this assertion, Lazarus Long provides clarity on the question of self-punishment and self-interest. He argues that it is not sinful to hurt oneself; the act is simply imprudent or foolish. This statement emphasizes that each individual has a responsibility to nurture their well-being and create a fulfilling life. By asserting this, Lazarus Long encourages people to prioritize self-love and self-care, as these qualities can lead to stronger interactions with others and greater personal contentment.

In his latest embrace of long-held beliefs, Lazarus Long's declaration supersedes the age-old question of "what is sin?" and redirects our focus towards the act of causing harm. He inspires collective understanding and cooperation by steering individuals toward choosing love, empathy, and compassion over fear, hatred, and superiority. Through this alternate perspective, Lazarus Long reiterates the importance of valuing the well-being of others while fostering self-worth and personal growth.

Historically, humanity has constructed complex systems of morality, each with its own set of rules and boundaries. From religious texts to legal statutes, these systems have inevitably contained contradictions and grey areas. By simplifying sin to the unnecessary infliction of harm upon others, Lazarus Long's words propose a revolution in moral consciousness. Where differing denominations and belief systems have created division, this statement seeks to unify the people under one principle: compassion.

In the end, with the statement "Sin lies only in hurting other people unnecessarily. All other 'sins' are invented nonsense. (Hurrying yourself is not sinful; just stupid)", Lazarus Long invites the world to reevaluate the definition of sin and focus on personal accountability and collective well-being. By redefining our understanding of right and wrong, we can create a more empathetic and compassionate society.