What do you think?

Question

I am interested in what people think of my answer to

Why do we consider some lives to be worth more than others?

My Answer:


The truth is because humans have a basic instinct of valuing their own lives because that is the basic possession all humans have and basis of self-awareness and individuality. That in turn automatically gives a certain value to all the other people's lives in comparison which is human nature. Humans all act in what they think is in their best interest and increasing their own lives values. Humans will value any life that makes their own worth more or better, while the ones that do not add value are seen as less of an interest. People may say they can act selflessly, but even while acting selflessly they are acting in interest of making their sacrifice worth something or their lives not meaningless. That is the basis of human nature and nothing more.

Maybe it seems a little cold.

before I put the best answer I would like to clarify a few things. For the comment about low self - esteem, I believe that not everyone rates themselves highly, but they value people in comparison to themselves. Therefore they have low self-esteem because they value others more than himself. However the low self-esteem people have a different logic. They do want to become people they feel are higher value than them. They just don't feel they can. If it was revealed that there was a way they can attain higher value, do not tell me they wouldn't try to attain it otherwise it would be a medical problem. The low self-esteem people will either feel their lives are worth less and take actions they feel will make their lives more valuable (suicide, self-improvement, joining groups or religions, etc.) or eventually reconcile with their worth. The question answered was however that why lives are valued differently.

I do not disagree that every life has value and is sacred, but as in a world with limited choices humans do not remain equal in the big picture. All we can do is make the choice with the least cost and therefore human life in the big picture is given a value.

Answer 1

I disagree. Some people have low self-esteem and therefore do not assess their own lives as high in value.

I think it has more to do with our society placing value on achievements that are hard to obtain, similar to supply versus demand.

For example, to become a lawyer, you must first qualify to enter law school, then do well in this school, then pass a stringent BAR exam. Because it is so hard to accomplish this, our society views lawyers with a great deal of value. Same with doctors.

Garbage collectors, on the other hand, do not have to have post-secondary education. We place low values for those in this profession, despite the fact that we would live in a disease infested condition without their services.

Answer 2

Well put. Don't worry about it seeming a little cold - it is a clear and concise dissection of our human motivations.

And your analysis of altruism is exactly true. There is no such thing as absolute selflessness, because regardless of the sacrifice, a person does gain something - a certain nobility of character and some meaning and value in their life.

The fact is that human nature forces 100% of our actions to be in our own self interest. Now, our self interest may be twisted bizarre and insane, like shooting a president to gain the favor of a movie star, or blowing up children, but it remains a self-interest nevertheless.

It is this knowledge that self-interest is the basis of all our actions that drives capitalism, it is the "hidden hand".

And it is this self-interest that causes socialism and communism to fail, and fail catastrophically. Because you cannot force a person's self-interest into a little idealistic Marxist box.

Your analysis made me look at some bases of economics a little more clearly. Thanks!

Answer 3

I think your answer is a little confusing although I agree that we place value on life when we have something invested in it. If it is seen as a burden in any way then we don't value it as much and justify at the time why we feel that a life may not be of value. Every person has a value - it's a matter of how we live our lives or are allowed to have life that must be equated into the big picture of life.

Answer 4

I think that some people's lives are more valuable than others

as an extreme - I would easilly say that the life of a doctor is worth more than a murderer

but the value comes from what they bring to others. one saves lives, the other takes them

Answer 5

You are so wrong you sad person. What an awful place it must be inside of you.
That's the most cynical and negative outlook on life yet.
Your statement is maybe true of some, but like so many here, you make a sweeping statement which is in fact just an uninformed and narrow minded opinion.
I'm so glad not to be around people like you. I'd want to kill myself.

Answer 6

What you think is cold is the voice of a new Politically correct society. You stated facts based on our instincts as human beings, thousands of years of human nature. There's nothing cold about it. It is what it is, because nature say that's the way it is, and ultimately that's who you should be answering to anyway. Don't deny yourself of your own humanity by fogging it all with social ideologies. Good job with your answer.

Answer 7

I think you have a point here.... Yes, humans by nature are self-centred! is an instinct... Yes, we compare ourselves, yes we under-mind others... That is the wonderful human race.

Is sad to see how we can't help others sometimes....Just as an act of selfishness... We rather be ok alone than with others!

I guess is a way to protect ourselves from being hurted!

Answer 8

Some people are like that, but I would die for you even though I don't know you.

In the end, all human lives have the same worth-none.

Or for the happy people-the same worth

Answer 9

i agree with u.it does seem a little cold tho but the truth often is. well done u seem to be a very intelegent person. hope u get ur 10 points

Answer 10

ask a small question plzzzzzzzz