November 28, 2003
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Topic: Re-examining the issues
I’ve now received feedback from two people, that has revealed some holes in my vision of how people should live. It is feedback I welcome, since it is the only way I can grow.
Firstly, I was warned about what I do with this site, since I’m writing things that could haunt me in the future, who knows what could happen.
So, this is a mini disclaimer: The views on this site are mostly the result of my observations, currently as a 22 year-old living in the year 2003. I acknowledge that my views are not facts, and I have had little contact w/ some of the issues I am talking about. I am not an expert on depression, or public schools, or education, or economics. I am interested in all of these topics, and am acknowledging here my own ignorance. I don’t know much about them, but I know what I’ve seen, and some people will support my views, others will challenge it. As this develops, hopefully myself and everyone reading this will learn a little more, and seek a more thorough and deeper understanding of each other and ourselves.
So, trying to summarize some of my views, and re-open them for discussion:
I don’t want or expect people to live in the woods. I personally like the outdoors, so that’s my thing. In fact, I’d prefer if people didn’t all live in the woods, because then it would be crowded, although I think it’d be great if more people gave it a shot.
I want people to reach their full potential. I’m not exactly sure what that means. But that’s my overall vision for everyone.
Question: We do certain things in life to achieve certain other things. Means to and end. Are certain ends more justified than others. If someone wants to work a job so they can be rich, and those riches make them happy, doesn’t that person have every right?
Possible answer: If we want future generations to live in a “better” world than ours, with better being a very vague term, we need to live lives that are not simply for our benefit, but for the greater good of society.
Question: How do you measure how much good you are doing to society? You can hand someone a burger and feel you’re helping the society, just the same as you can be a lawyer or doctor, and be criticized for your actions.
Possible answer: Nothing in life matters anyways, so do what you want.
Question: That can’t work or we’d all kill each other. So we set up societal norms.
Statement: In the grand scheme of things, we’re all just trying to figure out this life thing together. Do what you feel is right, i’ll do what i feel is right.
Question: What if what i feel is right is telling other people that what they’re doing is wrong?
Answer: I’m being judgemental and have no grounds to do so.
Solution: I will no longer give advice. I’ve actually learned this lesson before. All I can do is do and write about what i’ve done. You can explain what you’ve done, and if people like it, they may follow, if not, they’ll continue to live their lives. After all, I’ve learned my life lessons from myself, and I still can’t understand them, so why should I be giving life lessons to other people.
Or: Maybe I should give advice. I have seen both the metaphorical and literal mountain. It’s pretty good when you’re up top, you can see a whole lot. Maybe it is my responsibility to get people to the top of the mountain, or, maybe to tell them what it looks like at the top of the mountain. By that I mean my Outward Bound experience. I experienced friendship, learning, adventure, community, all at the same time. A wonderful and intense experience that I have not encountered, nor have I met someone who has encountered the same experience in regular American culture.
Oh, aren’t train of thoughts amusing, I hope people can follow this.
