There is undeniably "a certain blindness" of some human beings in their view of others. In the following, an ending of a short story written by William Carlos Williams entitled, "The Use of Force", the ancient and powerful precept, "First, do no harm," is put to a rigorous test, as is the good doctor who has painfully learned that the means often justify the ends in a life or death crisis.
…But the worst of it was that I too had got beyond reason. I
could have torn the child apart in my own fury and enjoyed it. It was a
pleasure to attack her. My face was burning with it.
The damned little brat must be protected against her own
idiocy, one says to one’s self at such times. Others must be protected against
her. It is a social necessity. And all these things are true. But a blind fury,
a feeling of adult shame, bred of a longing for muscular release are the
operatives. One goes on to the end.
In a final unreasoning assault I overpowered the child’s
neck and jaws. I forced the heavy silver spoon back of her teeth and down her
throat till she gagged. And there it was—both tonsils covered with membrane.
She had fought valiantly to keep me from knowing her secret. She had been
hiding that sore throat for three days at least and lying to her parents in
order to escape just such an outcome as this. Now truly she was furious. She had been on the
defensive before but now she attacked. Tried to get off her father’s lap and
fly at me while tears of defeat blinded her eyes.
