jjp8182
Platinum Member
Human nature seems to preclude your altruistic wishes... I'm wondering if we are what we are?
It may, but isn't the whole point of a culture/society (particularly one claiming to be "civilized") an attempt to grow beyond our base nature?
If not and striving for more isn't worth it, then why not just go back to the more animalistic modes of interaction where we whack each other over the head with sticks and stones and anarchy & tribalism are the order of the day and might makes right?
Not saying we all have to get along or agree with each other all the time (I don't even do that with myself - especially if/when I haven't had the time to think/consider a matter), but just striving to do resolve differences in a less violent manner and attempting to advance humanity (and not just technology).
Sort of gets to the fundamental purpose of debate/discussion since different people will have different perspectives - and the differences aren't always visible. A great example of that would be the question: "what temperature is cold?" someone who spent much their life among the snow & ice will have a very different answer than someone who's lived in the tropics/sub-tropics. Have actually had some fun and interesting conversations start with that seemingly simple question.
Can't say that I know the answer of whether striving for more is "worth it" for anyone other than me ...and I don't know that I should be deciding for others. So as part of that it also seems quite evident that morality can't be legislated, but has to be learned and embraced by individuals.