7/16/16 - Some people were born into a wonderful world ("It's a Wonderful Life!"), in western civilization, where we have everything at our disposal to fill our every need. Some people were born into a terrible, treacherous world - the Middle East, starving nations. So, is the world wonderful or terrible? And is it fair to say that life is one way or the other when you are either the benefactor of "the wonderful" or the victim of "the terrible"? People who were victimized by the terrible are doing terrible things, but isn't that what you might expect as a result of poor psychological treatment? On the other hand, is it really that great when someone who has benefited from being born into a rich nation does something wonderful for others? Their proper treatment has led them to want to pass on benevolent will, while those who were treated poorly pass on their malevolence. So, the question is, should people really be praised or demonized for their behaviors in light of the basis of such behavior? You're a great person, but you were treated great, so let's not get too excited and self-appeasing. Any human can be driven to murder if enough pressure is applied. A creature needs love or it will not love. Hateful conditions mechanically produce a hateful response. If people who are truly starving in some nations had as much strength as Middle Easterners, would they respond to us the same way, forming militia and using guerrilla warfare against us? What if the difference between these peoples is not their religion, but their ability to fight? Most people in the Middle East don't fight us, and those who do are considered "extremists". I would suggest that this is more due to their fear of repercussions than anything else. Everyone wants to have a wonderful life, and I feel it is the duty of those who have it to pass it on to the rest of us. If you stop working when you are personally satisfied, it displays your lack of interest in the common whole. |