I'm asking a question posed to me by my 12 year old as I am interested to read the responses, "why is doing good and being kind to others important if there isn't a heaven or a god?"
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Taking care of each other has noting to do with "a" god. We are all manifestations collective making up what is termed god.
Our_existence
Level 9
May 10, 2018
0
Relevant question if you are 12.
clarkatticus
Level 7
Apr 29, 2018
0
Or 40, I have certainly met adults that at least demonstrate that they still struggle with this.
What was the intention behind your comment?
@Starletlive why a person would struggle with life choices pertaining to morals after, lets say, high school, mystified me. Sure, some complicated issues exist, but if you need a "guide" to determine your actions on a daily basis then you me vCard Dr grew up. (Also see:Trump)
@clarkatticus for those of us that have been raised in moral households with all of our basic necessities adequately met within a family with socially normative dynamics, who have never been faced with discrimination or economic inequality and have been given the opportunity to develop good healthy self efficacy I would say yes sure that moral compass is always pointing north, realisticly that's probably about 3% of the population, when faced with adversity that moral compass can oscillate without a fundamental understanding of
the greater good which is a pretty abstract concept for those whose mental resources are being spent on emotional or physical survival, in this sense we could describe having a functioning moral compass to be a privilege granted to only a few
Human emotions and feelings towards others aside (those lead us to do it anyway), we all live on this planet together and if we don't treat each other with respect and care the whole place turns into a nightmare. We're all on the same freeway and those who drive like idiots gain little and often get other people killed or injured. It's prudent and logical. It's also within us as humans to treat each other with respect.
TedGresham997
Level 5
Apr 29, 2018
1
But why is it in us? (Was his next question) evolutionary theories of reciprocity, those who practiced reciprocity survived...
If you're the only one doing it, it doesn't offer any advantage. In a hypothetical world where everyone ruthlessly exploits every advantage, no matter who it hurts in the process, someone with a social conscience is at a massive disadvantage.
When we do it collectively as a society, the reward is that other people with the same attitude treat you better. Perhaps more so if they can see you making an effort to be like them.
Of course there will always be a few who are totally self-serving. And they'll normally find their way to wealth and success off the backs of others. If wealth and status are your primary goals, there are times when you're going to need to tread on other people's toes to get there.
NicoleCadmium
Level 7
Apr 29, 2018
2
All true, and most who have achieved financial success will tell you that they have not achieved happiness
Because it enriches lives in the here and now. Many organisms work together as a group to achieve a common goal
But science has shown that altruistic behavior releases endorphins
Lucy_Fehr
Level 8
Apr 29, 2018
1
Is doing something because it makes you feel good a true altruistic act? Why do we produce endorphins in response to this type of interaction?
@Starletlive Depends on your point of view
People who need the threat of punishment to do the right thing aren't really good anyway.
birdingnut
Level 8
Apr 29, 2018
4
You do not believe that all people have the ability to be good?
@Starletlive The ability perhaps, but not the inclination, apparently.
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