Would you sacrifice yourself for a complete stranger?
Let's say there's this little kid crossing the road, it's evident he's going to be hit by a car, would you jump in front of the car and help him?
2007-05-15 18:43:22 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know, but probably not. Now if it was MY kid, that's a different story. Of course I would without hesitation.
In evolutionary terms, this kind of familial protective instinct helps preserve my genes onto the next generation.
I would definitely try and help rescue a stranger in trouble, but would not put my life in certain extinction to preserve theirs.....unless we are talking about some greater cause, like it's Jack Bauer and he will save the world from nuclear anhiliation. ;)
2007-05-15 18:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I guess I'll be the first to give a flat out no. This isn't to say that I wouldn't risk myself for someone else's sake, which I have done. It's saying that if it comes down to it, I wouldn't put myself in that situation if I knew there was no hope of me coming out alive. I would be willing to risk more for a friend or loved one, but I don't know how far that would extend.
I think society's view of sacrifice is interesting. It's as though we're expected to sacrifice ourselves for others' sakes. Somehow, when someone is in danger, their existence becomes that much more valuable than yours. And if someone doesn't pay homage to this philosophy and preserves their own being, they are often branded as immoral and uncaring. Just as now, I'm sure many who read this would be disgusted and repelled by me when I'm actually a quite caring and compassionate guy, albeit sarcastic and cynical at times.
So I guess to me, this isn't a tough question at all. It's only tough if you feel guilty about wanting to live.
2007-05-16 03:13:13 · answer #2 · answered by Phil 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely, yes - however, I would take every precaution to avoid death myself if at all possible. Using your example - if I could simply push the kid out of the way without jumping in front of the car myself, then that is most likely what I would do.
Until you are actually in a situation like this (and blessed with enough time to actually be able to act) - I don't think that anyone can say for certain if (and how) they would act. There is always the possibilty that you will simply freeze up at that critical moment...
2007-05-16 01:50:13 · answer #3 · answered by kr_toronto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sacrifice is a different thing on perception level. If you believe in 'give and take' then it will be sacrifice and if you don't then it will be the contentment of being a human. whatever be the result ! You have made an attempt and that is the satisfaction but these all depends how you think the things. First you should develop the spiritual and natural thought inside you and then you will realize every things makes us to react.
2007-05-16 01:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sach 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a tough question, especially when ethical doesn't get spelled correctly either. Bodyguards are expected and paid to protect someone, even take a bullet for them if necessary. Until the moment comes, they do not know either. You can say you would or wouldn't but that split second that the opportunity arrives will tell the story
2007-05-16 01:54:44 · answer #5 · answered by The Shell Answer Man 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yep, for a kid i would . If I didn't and they got killed or maimed I could never live with myself anyway .
Have to be responsible and take the bad luck for someone else if it comes down to it .
Now a complete stranger I dont know...not so sure .
But I would let any child of any race if it was between myself and them .
2007-05-16 01:48:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have actually gone into the street to save a child from traffic..but I was not hit.
I would love to say without question i would do it and I believe that I probably would.
The only second of doubt I have is that I have a 3 yr old son and I would not want to leave him.
But that being said, I would want someone to save my child.
2007-05-16 01:48:25 · answer #7 · answered by Beverly B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not for an adult, possibly for a child. I really don't know, I have never been in that predicament. I have a child myself and it is a goal of mine to raise her to adult hood. There are several other factors involved as well. I am afraid that the loss of my life could cause harm to many people whom I love, so I do not take self sacrifice as easily as I did when I was younger.
2007-05-16 01:49:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
honestly i couldn't answer that here and now because you never know what exactly you might do at that moment of crisis.....it's all very well to say "of course i will" but to tell you the truth-i don't know.
it could go either way.....sometimes ,we might act on the spur of the moment and actually sacrifice our life WITHOUT thinking of it as a sacrifice,because in a split second,all those things might not cross oyur mind.
2007-05-16 01:47:53 · answer #9 · answered by nicky 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If God commanded me to I would, but otherwise, I'd remain alive to save my own children from cars hitting them during later times in my life.
2007-05-16 01:51:49 · answer #10 · answered by chdoctor 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋