Is it that society expects us to be happy for others that we gush & isn't it natural to feel relief when bad things happen to others & think 'thank god it didn't happen to me !' To what extent can we really be connected to another human being when finally we are all separate individuals ?
2007-04-08 04:42:40 · 12 answers · asked by Praxis 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
It is very natural for someone to think 'thank God it didn't happen to me", If someone says they have never felt this way then chances are they are lying, it is human nature to put self first.
We cannot EXPECT others to be truely happy when something good happens to others, we are only human. Most think "dang, I wish it were me" first, then usually the gushing starts. Humans are truely selfish, self is always first thought. Everyones empathy level is different and some people may never feel happy for someone else's good fortune, but most, at least, let on that they are happy for the other. I cannot say I am not a self person but I can be excited for someone when good happens to them. The extent of connection with others lies in the heart of each individual.
2007-04-08 04:55:34 · answer #1 · answered by jules 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well there will always be people who are not happy when good things happen to other people because they are jealous or envious. I think the people who really care about you are always happy for you when thing go well for you even if they are not having such a great time of it.
I guess it is human nature to feel a sense of relief when something really bad happens and it doesn't involve you and you are safe and secure but that sense of relief is not the same thing as wishing those people ill. It is just that I dodged a bullet feeling in the first seconds and then most people have true compassion for those who are suffering.
I believe that most people at the heart of them are good, compassionate people given half the chance to show it. Regardless of what sometimes comes out of their mouths.
2007-04-08 05:06:13 · answer #2 · answered by Fluffy Wisdom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Separation and individuality are merely illusions that we have all agreed upon for this physical existence. In truth, we are spiritual beings experiencing a physical existence and we are all connected. We are all part of the "all that is" (which some label as God, not that it matters). We are not truly separate.
Being happy (truly happy, not fake gushing) for the good experiences of others only attracts more happiness, positivity and good experiences into your life.
2007-04-08 05:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being happy for others because they receive things that you don't has nothing to do with society. The ability to be happy for others comes from within, if it didn't then this Question would have never been asked.
As far as when bad things happen, and they will, to be thank full that it didn't happen to you is normal. But keep it in perspective also, you don't say thank God it wasn't me and be happy about it.
When my husband of 13 years was diagnosed with cancer, the normal reaction is Why me? a lot of family and Friends thought I was cold when I responded with Why not you?
He himself had to think about what I said, after a week of feeling sorry for himself my husband understood what I said and stopped feeling sorry for himself and started living what little time he had left with his family, children and I and left this world knowing he was loved and had left lasting memories with us.
I live my life separate from others, but I am connected with many. To live a separate life form others with NO connection with any one would not be Living.
2007-04-08 06:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by Marla D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess there must be a 1 to 10 of rating or a 1 to 1000 rating to show how happy a person is... without suffering, pain, bad experience we would not be possible to rate ourselves on the scale. BTW, personally i feel going thru suffering might be a good thing, a blessing. That we can share with the one that experinceing the same situation that we have being thru it and they are not alone. cheer =)
2016-05-20 00:01:47 · answer #5 · answered by patrice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose we can wish for good things to happen to others, but if something bad had to happen, we would not want it to happen to ourselves. H'm. Interesting thought.
No one wants something bad to happen to himself. But, if faced with a choice, "If something bad were to happen, would I want it to be to myself or to someone else, which would you choose?" Despite what many would like to think they would choose, I believe many would choose it happen to another person, unless that other person is someone for which they love and care. Not sure how damning a statement this is on the nature of humanity.
One can feel relief or thankful that something bad did not happen to them, yet still feel bad that the something happened to someone. It need not be an either/or proposition. Moreover, some people would rather a bad event happen to themselves and not to a loved one of theirs.
As for being separate individuals--while we are separate individuals, each with a separate mind and body, we do not live our life in a vacuum. We ARE social beings, connected to each other through a myriad of social bonds. What happens to others does affect us, directly and indirectly. To be sure, especially with informal relationships, much of ones own behavior is mirrored back to himself. Act kind and considerate of others, generally people will reflect that behavior back to you with acts of kindness and displays of consideration. Not always, but often enough. Much of our own joy and sorrow is a result of the joys and sorrows of others.
2007-04-08 05:22:07 · answer #6 · answered by Gin Martini 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
what you describe is like the feeling i get win deer hunting i hunt all morning and get skunked i feel good as i hunted well i just did not score i go without deer meet so i go to camp and find a big buck hanging in the tree and the smell of venison cooking i am Happy and annoyed All at the same time .can we be happy truly i believe we are happy AL the time it is just the circumstance of the moment that keeps a brother down .
2007-04-08 04:54:25 · answer #7 · answered by henryredwons 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's realistic but difficult. We have a tendency to think "why can't those good things happen to me"? We are connected because we have love and we are not connected because of our selfish human behavior.
2007-04-08 04:54:56 · answer #8 · answered by Mary G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's realistic to expect human beings to try.
2007-04-08 05:10:25 · answer #9 · answered by saralizzy1981 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you stay concentrated on your own life, and get some accomplishments on your own, then you shouldn't be unhappy. Use the things others get for inspiration, if you can. Get focused. Happy Easter
2007-04-08 04:54:43 · answer #10 · answered by Marissa Di 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋