Is it ok to be satisfied?(non-ambitious)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ethical implications of personal ambition and societal responsibility. Participants explore whether it is acceptable to prioritize personal satisfaction over contributing to societal issues, such as poverty and injustice. The conversation touches on various perspectives regarding individual motivations, obligations to help others, and the balance between personal goals and altruism.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether it is acceptable to not push oneself towards societal improvement, suggesting that personal satisfaction may come at the cost of ignoring larger issues.
  • Others argue that individuals are not obligated to take action unless they are directly responsible for societal problems, emphasizing personal choice in defining one's goals.
  • A participant reflects on the conflict between personal aspirations (like becoming a table tennis player) and societal expectations to contribute to alleviating suffering.
  • Some express the belief that helping others is a natural instinct and that individuals should strive to make a positive impact, while recognizing their own limits.
  • There are varying opinions on the nature of ambition, with some suggesting that personal dreams can coexist with societal contributions.
  • A participant references a philosophical perspective that encourages individuals to define their own goals rather than conforming to societal expectations.
  • Concerns are raised about the moral implications of inaction in the face of global suffering, with some participants feeling a strong emotional response to societal injustices.
  • One participant proposes that pursuing personal passions can lead to charitable contributions, suggesting a win-win scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on whether individuals have a moral obligation to contribute to society. Some advocate for personal ambition without guilt, while others emphasize the importance of social responsibility. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and philosophical ideas, indicating that their views are shaped by individual circumstances and emotional responses. The discussion includes a mix of anecdotal evidence and philosophical musings, which may not be universally applicable.

  • #31
morals are relative
 
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  • #32
Are you intending that if you see other people killing their daughter if they are born when they were wanting a son, you wouldn't complain? Ofcourse, morals are relative but there are common principle. Something that every religion shares. Something that all society inherits. It is helping people. You don't have to dedicate your life to it, but in hte list of to do things in your life, there should one that would improve this world in one perspective.
 
  • #33
superweirdo said:
Are you intending that if you see other people killing their daughter if they are born when they were wanting a son, you wouldn't complain? Ofcourse, morals are relative but there are common principle. Something that every religion shares. Something that all society inherits. It is helping people. You don't have to dedicate your life to it, but in hte list of to do things in your life, there should one that would improve this world in one perspective.


Well I can't actually see them doing it, but the ancient Athenians (cf. "The Glory that was Greece") used to expose surplus daughters on a hillside. They could kid themselves about this (Mary Renault has a nice exposition of this in one of her novels), but yeah, it was murder. Does it make me hate Pericles, Socrates and all them? The former was in a position to ban the practice and the latter could have preached against it, but neither AFIK did one single thing or ever expressed any disapproval about it.
 
  • #34
I have no idea what you are talking about.
 
  • #35
superweirdo, do you want to change to world by being a philosopher instead?

You can continue philosophizing during your life as a table tennis player. One does not have to come before the other.
 
  • #36
Actually, I was thinking about changing the educational system, which would ofcourse take some power but if I can make improve the educational system enough, everyone will be ambitious.
 

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