The Trillion Dollar Question?

Discussion in 'General Philosophy' started by Bowser, Nov 28, 2017.

  1. sideshowbob Sorry, wrong number. Valued Senior Member

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    I suppose we all enrich somebody else's life in some way. All in all, though, I don't think the world would miss me much if I had never existed.

    If I had it all to do again, yes, I would definitely do some things differently.
     
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  3. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    We would miss you, Bob.

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  5. birch Valued Senior Member

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    Yes, that's a typical self-centered view but not as grandiose, but the jist is the same. it's easy to minimize greater suffering when you aren't experiencing it. you have to experience or be aware in order to have empathy. just as most very rich people may be uncaring or oblivious to those less fortunate and those who are not wealthy but okay can still have that same worldview. when one is in comfort, it is easy to forget or dismiss others suffering.

    this is not always wrong simply because you can't really change the crux of the problem which is nature itself. all you can do is try not to add more suffering to the world and live your own life. one should not feel guilty for their fortune or money, it's just to be mindful of the whole picture and how someone views the world will be different from person to person, regardless of the level of money they have.

    while you always got what you needed, there were people dropping like flies all over the world either through starvation, disease, murder, accidents, suicide etc or they were in constant suffering or pain for various reasons. people don't always get what they need either.

    but if you have what you need, depending on your values and personality, superfluous money does not bring you happiness. all extra money really does is make 'physical' life easier or is capital to invest or create.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2017
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  7. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    How can you possibly love others if you don't first love your self? Your life is an extraordinary gift, birch.
     
  8. Xelasnave.1947 Valued Senior Member

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    Yes and that gift is from your ancestors back to the year dot some of whom experienced suffering.
    It is them to who I am most grateful.
    Alex
     
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  9. spidergoat pubic diorama Valued Senior Member

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    Not referring to myself, but life can just as easily be more of a curse than a blessing.
     
  10. spidergoat pubic diorama Valued Senior Member

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    And if you didn't you would be dead and in no position to comment.
     
  11. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    So, life self-selects for happiness.

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  12. spidergoat pubic diorama Valued Senior Member

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    Survival. There is no guarantee of happiness. Unless you got a trillion dollars.
     
  13. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    People suffer, yes. Will your suffering make it better?
     
  14. spidergoat pubic diorama Valued Senior Member

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    It could, why do you ask? If I suffer the work of helping the poor, their lives are likely improved.
     
  15. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    It's hard to disagree with you. Should that make it any less significant?
     
  16. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    I would think it more a labor of joy than suffering; otherwise, why would you do it?
     
  17. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    As would you.
     
  18. spidergoat pubic diorama Valued Senior Member

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    I wouldn't know. I just give them money.
     
  19. Xelasnave.1947 Valued Senior Member

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    That makes the gift most significant.
    ....the most.
    Alex
     
  20. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    "We are not impervious to suffering; however, we are capable of seeing its source and its end."
    --Feather
     
  21. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    You tell me. It's your life.
     
  22. Xelasnave.1947 Valued Senior Member

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    All my ancestors back to the common ancestor were all nice folk and I am the beneficiary of all that niceness.
    Alex
     
  23. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    okay
     

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