“They are props in a cosmic drama, destined by the director for a totally failed existence, so that others might get some benefit (and I find the benefit, either for humans or for God, to be highly dubious at best)…It is for that reason that I see reprobates as a mere means in the Calvinistic scheme.”
http://dangerousidea.blogspot.com/2009/09/exchange-with-paul-manata-on-kant-and.html
Sounds like a good description of Pharaoh. But as stage props go, Pharaoh had a far more enjoyable life than most folks back then. He was pampered from birth. Had the best of everything. Had hundreds of servants to satisfy his every whim.
I doubt that he resented his existence as a stage prop. Reppert may complain on his behalf, but I don’t see the stage prop complaining about life in the royal palace, with the royal harem, the royal cuisine, and other pleasantries.
Many people thoroughly enjoy being just a means to an end. They live for the means. Revel in the means. “Merely” is what makes their life worthwhile.
They take no interest in the dutiful notion of living for a noble end. Indeed, they avoid noble ends at every turn. They never met a noble end they didn’t avoid. Whenever they see a noble end ahead, they turn around.
Look at all the TV shows in which vacuous reporters stalk vacuous celebrities. These are people who take satisfaction is the vicarious vacuity of their lives.
While I find that appalling, they don’t share my gloomy assessment.
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