Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 822

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822. There is a kind of hatred against the neighbour in which people take delight in hurting and attacking everybody. The more harm they can do to a person, the more pleasure it gives them. Very many belonging to the lowest class of society are such. There are also some not of that class who are like them in disposition (animus), but who are outwardly more respectable as a result of the civilized way of life in which they have been brought up, and on account of the fear of penalties set by the law. After death these people appear stripped to the waist, and with hair all unkempt. They go for one another by rushing forward and planting the palms of their hands on the other's shoulders and bounding over his head, only to come back after a quick about-turn and pummel him with their fists. Those referred to as being more respectable act in a similar way, but they first of all acknowledge each other before going round the back and so pummeling with their fist. But when they meet face to face they acknowledge each other and again go round the back and strike with the fist. In this way they keep up appearances. They are seen some distance away to the left at a middle height.


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