Blog 03/07/11
Heard a couple powerful statements this week, some were by people unaware of what they were actually saying.
In regards to the value of life:
“What value do they have to ones such as we?”
“We all die, and that’s what makes life valuable.”
“Would you kill someone in Africa for a billion dollars right now?” – “Yes, definitely.”
“I wish we could just get rid of mentally ill people somehow.”
In regards to Hiroshima and Nagasaki:
“I only wish we hit China and Korea too.”
In regards to Chernobyl:
“Death is the price you pay when you don’t raise your people right.”
In regards to moral reasoning:
“Most people’s opinion on politics and religion are gotten at second hand without much thought.”
These statements aren’t taken out of context and are presented in entirety. While the statements may be offensive or disturbing keep in mind 5 out of the 7 presented here came from devout religious individuals. Even more so, keep in mind the specific statement(s) you consider to be offensive may be insightful to another and so on.
I don’t consider myself holier than thou, nor more intelligent or capable than most. In addition I’ve been told that I am difficult to approach or communicate with. I’m notorious for being I’m callous to the immediate emotional wants of others, and intimidate others with resolute solutions to problems that I portray as being “below me”.
However for many, I’ve been told I’m the only source of honest feedback, a trusted friend, a confidant that doesn’t judge, a catalyst for the improvement of others, and a precocious young adult.
I’ve noticed the difference between the two perceptions of my behavior lie within the eye of that specific beholder, as opposed to actual schisms within my own personality. Those that are more willing to admit to a lack of knowledge and pursue truth within evidence tend to understand my mentality of crude skepticism as canonical to their development of moral reasoning. The latter, not so much and view my methods as invasive, inappropriate, and unnecessary.
C'est la vie -
When figuring out for yourself which of these statements is more offensive than others, ask yourself just how valuable you are. Then ask how valuable your family and friends are, and compare your own value against theirs. From there, ask how valuable the occupants of texas, congress, California, mexico, Haiti, London, Russia etc are. Once again compare your value against the individuals of the respective groups mentioned.
When you’re done wasting time, did you realize that placing value ratings on the lives of others was for starters not easy, and second too subjective to have any significant value? Did you seem to have a strong bias to your own value? What do you think would happen when someone from Russia has to make the decision about who or what is most valuable, will you be considered significant?
While it is painful to embrace the fact of just how insignificant each and every single one of us is, it helps to put in perspective that we’re all insignificant together. –Joey P
Altruism, and an austere respect for life is the way to live my friends.
-Joey. P
