The Tao Teh Ching says that if we relent from exalting the talented, there will cease to be jealosy and rivalry. I don't think it means that we shouldn't recognize talent, simply that putting those with talent on pedestals is dangerous and is harmful to society in general. Just curious as to your opinions on this idea.
2006-07-18 16:18:44 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Our society neither follows nor understands the Tao. We don't exalt the talented, we WORSHIP the ATTRACTIVE whether they have talent or not, whether their attractiveness is natural or artificial.
Whether based on talent or appearance, the exalting of it comes itself frmo jealousy and rivalry. Here the Tao is entirely consistent with the New Testament's statement that "The spirit that dwelleth within you lusteth to envy," which is the real problem.
So I think the Tao is giving us a sophisticated warning not to trust our own envious impulses. Rarely, there are great and famous artists who understand this and are wary and suspicious of their own fame (particularly, a converted Buddhist, the late George Harrison, comes to mind).
2006-07-18 16:33:13 · answer #1 · answered by urbancoyote 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
But if we don't put them on a pedestal, who will we RELENTLESSLY imitate in attempts to gain acceptance in a world full of...well, groupies?
This Tao Teh Ching thing/person is absolutely correct...but we can't change society. It is an old age practice, acknowledging the outstanding talents and feats of others in an attempt to motivate (and intimidate) others in order to achieve worldly greatness. It has gone too far, with stars beating murder raps because of their bank accounts but it will continue until the useless minions of the world realize that those who are recognized didn't get that why by imitation, but originality. Thus we have millions of artificial blondes, boobs, and bimboes sulking the earth like zombies...sick!
2006-07-18 23:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by randylai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We love to hear and see talented people. We all have a talent and people enjoy that--no matter how little it is or how we see it. It is fun to watch people do something they enjoy or worked hard to be accomplished. It makes me feel like gee I wish I could do that or wow--God gave them a really special gift. I love to watch ice skaters and musicians and artists and dancers and gymnasts, etc. I mean who does not love something like that or even just the movies. That is all talent --if you think it is. Some people have more unique ones and those stand out. I have met plenty of people with a lot of talent but they are not celebrities. However I am glad that I got to see their gifts. It is not wrong to exalt the talented like that. Jealousy is mostly a little envy about it in a kind way--like a compliment almost. Like you hear people say oh I wish I could sing like that--well that means that they like that and they are complimenting the person. They may envy them, but they mainly are just amazed by their talent.
2006-07-18 23:26:34 · answer #3 · answered by just julie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We exalt the talented because we admire their skills and abilities. They serve as role models for us to be inspired to challenge ourselves to be our best. I don't put talented people on a pedestal. I don't think it is wrong at all to recognize and acknowledge that there are a LOT of people in this world with diverse, exceptional abilities.
To ignore this would be to walk with blinders on and create a very mundane and mediocre society that would not excell in anything because no one would care and there'd be no incentive to do more than just what is ordinary...
2006-07-18 23:23:23 · answer #4 · answered by Patricia D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the way advertising accelerates are inner envy and want sand wishes in life . just remember we are all stars ave are own life are we not loved buy friends and family . to be them how sad it must be to have you life displayed to all .they are paid well because we as people make them famous they do not make them selves famous . the public dose the more people that go to a movie must mean that they are going because of the actors or for the story that they advertised. it is only as harmful if you are of a week character and can be devoured into some other life in a move for if you really lived there life it is hard to be them and you wouldn't think so badly of them nor would you be intoxicated buy any and it would become just a job that happens to entertain you . but susses is in all of us ever moment of are days we do the best we know how so we are really are own stars .
2006-07-18 23:36:42 · answer #5 · answered by lois k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe there's anything wrong with it...although there is truth in the I-Ching. We are fascinated by talent and fame...I doubt this is going to change. I think we should give everyone their due...each person has a special talent...
2006-07-18 23:23:26 · answer #6 · answered by Rev Debi Brady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not about touting one talent above the other, it's about recognizing the talent everybody has. One person might be good with science, others might be artistic, another one might be good with fixing things.
Everybody has a talent and they're each important.
2006-07-18 23:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by siamcatp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure the best hunter in cave man times was looked up to. It's part of society. I wonder if putting aside the tribal notions (us vs them) would accomplish the same thing but might be as difficult to achieve.
2006-07-18 23:22:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who the hell is going to exalt the lazy trailer trash?
2006-07-18 23:21:33 · answer #9 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is pure wisdom my dear . It's true . Talent is beautiful , but beauty shouldnt be worshiped . Niether should money.
2006-07-18 23:23:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋