Big Fish, Small Fish: The Power of Positive Thinking

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the metaphorical question of whether it is better to be a "big fish in a small pond" or a "small fish in a large ocean." Participants explore the implications of each scenario, considering themes of freedom, influence, and personal fulfillment. The conversation touches on philosophical aspects and personal preferences rather than definitive answers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue for being a small fish in a large ocean, suggesting it allows for exploration and greater impact on a larger population.
  • Others advocate for being a big fish in a small pond, emphasizing the convenience and security of being in a familiar environment.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the happiness of fish based on size, suggesting that the environment may play a more significant role in their well-being.
  • One participant introduces the idea of a medium-sized fish in an average-sized body of water, indicating a preference for balance over extremes.
  • Another participant notes that the question reflects a philosophical dilemma regarding the trade-off between liberty and security.
  • Some responses highlight the potential for both positive and negative impacts in a larger environment, questioning the implications of influence.
  • A participant expresses a desire to see varied responses to the question, indicating an interest in the subjective nature of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as multiple competing views remain regarding the merits of each scenario. The discussion reflects a range of personal preferences and philosophical interpretations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the metaphor, including the assumptions about happiness, influence, and the nature of freedom versus security.

Evil
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juz a question to c yr thoughts n tis question is open to interpretation

is it better to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a large ocean?
 
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small fish, large ocean :D
 
Big fish in a small pond, for it would be more convenient this way for those who are interested in observing the species you represent.
 
I am not that aware of how the fishes' minds works, however, it seems to me as if a small fish would be as happy as a large fish (in a sense of our human perception), therefor, except for how it is affected by the souroundings, it's size doesn't matter.
I am not aware of what exists in the small versus the large pond and therefor it is quite difficult to give a correct answer to this.
A large pond is likely the better one as there's likely more life in such a pond than in a smaller. As the large fish takes more place than the small and I'm not aware of what the pond inhabitates, I'd say that a large pond, small fish is probably the better configuration.
 
BIG fish, large ocean :D
 
small fish, large ocean.

im not someone who likes to be confined to places. if i was a big fish in a small pond i would get bored with my life.i love exploring. and the ocean is not something that we totally know as humans, it would be interesting to explore. :smile:
 
I can't swim in a dichotomy

I'd like to be a medium size fish in a average size body of water. :approve:

*but the bowless bowl is pretty good, glub glub*
 
Yay, multiple choice questions!
I will resist the urge to cheat [cough]3mpathyBoulderHead[/cough] and choose small fish, large ocean, assuming it has the greater population and lower population density.
 
Fine... ill give it a decent answer. small fish+large body of water. i like to explorethings too, but since there are bigger fish in the sea i guess that id have a good chance of being eaten :( i guess it would be worth it considering if i stayed alive as the other choice id be bored out of my mind.
 
  • #10
this is sort of a question that examies how far u would gp for freedom
big fish small pond...u r the king of the world but yr kingdom is limited
small fish big ocean..u r small fry but u r free to roam the 4 corner of the world...
so which is better?
tough question...
 
  • #11
Small fish in a large ocean.

That way, if i ever have any good effect on the population, i will change the lives of many instead of only a couple. More satisfaction.
 
  • #12
dekoi said:
Small fish in a large ocean.

That way, if i ever have any good effect on the population, i will change the lives of many instead of only a couple. More satisfaction.

Not to be a downer, but this is also true of any bad effect you have :frown:

This is another philosophical question stated in "real world" terms (like the chicken and egg). The question seems to be about the balance between liberty and security, and which one you value more; Big fish, small pond= more security, less liberty, and vice versa. I think the "real world" phrasing does more harm than good by opening the door to misinterpretation and irrelevant solutions, but that's another thread.
 
  • #13
the reason y i dun want to include the real world thingy is that i want to c how ppl respond to a question phrased in a diff manner...
and hey i get wat i wan..haha
 
  • #14
honestrosewater said:
Not to be a downer, but this is also true of any bad effect you have :frown:

yes but it's nice to know that he is THAT optimistic of himself, his life, and the effects on society to think that what he does or can do will have a positive effect right? i mean if he's that confident in himself then maybe he really does have positive effects...nice to know there are people like that out there right?:blushing:
 
  • #15
abitofnothingleft said:
yes but it's nice to know that he is THAT optimistic of himself, his life, and the effects on society to think that what he does or can do will have a positive effect right? i mean if he's that confident in himself then maybe he really does have positive effects...nice to know there are people like that out there right?:blushing:

Yes, it's possible and nice :approve:
 

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