I'm thinking along the lines that the desired goal is to feel good about oneself.
I can't imagine anyone who would disagree with that.
As Denis pointed out yesterday (well that's what I thought when he commented), different people have different ways of feeling good.
Killing others that don't share your view of what is important is one way that people have operated in the past and presumably made them feel good.
Accumulating money is another.
So is the question - "Are some levels of feeling good, higher/more enjoyable than others?" ?
Greetings
9 years ago
3 comments:
My next question is:
Do the things we do or own make us feel good or is it the opinions of those around us that are as/more important?
Can a person who lives in total isolation feel good about him/herself?
What would it be that makes them feel good?
Is being virtuous a luxury after we have the means of survival?
Not particularly wishing to promote Ecclesiastes, but it strikes me that the following might be relevant:
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
One would have to define what we mean by a 'virtuous life'. Also by what measure or by whom goodness is measured.
If we are looking at the question from our own point of view, how valid is the answer?
A 'virtuous life' could mean putting the good of others before oneself. Believing that to be the right and honourable thing to do might well result in feeling 'good' — physically as well as psychologically. (I could add spiritually but maybe that is getting into another realm) However if 'being virtuous' is motivated by a desire to have others think well of us, we may well be on a treadmill of striving to obtain the unobtainable — the result? A shallow existence that does not bring happiness unless we get a constant feedback of praise so we 'know' we are seen as virtuous.
Things we do or own may well make us feel good — that is content with who and what we are. On the other hand, we may be so aware that others do not have even the basic things to keep them alive, that we can never truly 'feel good'. This may lead to a striving to help others and so gain a 'virtuous' life without realising or acknowledging the fact.
We are born with certain drives for survival.
Clearly, those who strive for wealth, power, or simply an ownership of that which they desire (rather than need) however large or small, do so to satisfy an inner urging or longing.
Perhaps it may be right that no matter how much we own or strive for, or how much knowledge we absorb and experience, there will always be a striving, a discontent until we 'find' God. Or for an atheist: until a point is reached where there is utter contentment of who and what we are, and desire nothing further.
A person living in isolation by choice or because he has been forced to, could feel either good or bad depending on the circumstances.
A person secure in their own self-esteem, and who is free of what others think about him, is free indeed!
Survival of civilisation, if it has any meaning at all, hangs on mankind being virtuous. Being virtuous is not a luxury, it is a necessity... that is, in my opinion!
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