When are people going to realise, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should?

Answer 1

If I read correctly, then I can see the ages old question, 'is might right', also at the heart of the arguments ensuing from the discussion of this question. In general, however, this is a question of human moral and ethical sense versus human nature at large. From this single question further questions can be asked and subsequent issues explored. It can be asked, for instance – does our moral judgments restrict our ability to progress? Then, is human moral sense - that necessitates the use of the auxiliary verb 'should' - universal, or fully developed? And do innate human capabilities and abilities - that the use verb 'can' denotes - need to be constantly observed and kept under check?

In very simple words, it is to ask, ‘can we trust our natural abilities, or do we need moral, ethical, religious or tribal laws and principles applied upon us by the use of might?’

Abraham Maslowe said – a man should be what he can be. But this is mainly for the purpose of empowering individuals, and not necessarily or directly within the context of social enterprising. The problem with people doing whatever they can do individually is that people might go along different directions, which obviously is not conducive to social integration at all.

When we in our personal and social life give precedence to doing only what we should do, we seek harmony and compliance with our surroundings. But when we act upon our own initiative and set out to explore what can be explored we seek distinction and personal sense of excellence. But there would be no peace without collaboration among people for common purposes of good, and then there would be no progress if all people would seek the middle paths and stay mediocre in their efforts as well as in their thoughts.

The question therefore, when brought to a live discussion, is that of a balance and agreement between what people have as their abilities, what they individually can do and their consideration of wider purposes around them and expediencies in their view.

If I, for instance, want to take to air like a bird, I would soon realise I could not, and since I cannot therefore I also should not; I should not made any such attempt that would pitch me against the laws of general nature, the laws of gravity. My knowledge is personal but solid. I know what is not good for me and therefore would not say that I cannot jump off from the top of a cliff, I would say instead, ‘I should not jump off fro the top of a cliff, because I know that would do me no good’.

Just like me many people want to know for themselves if they should not do something. They often think and then end up believing that they have to obey rules and laws. People will stop doing what they should not do when either they have their own excellent ways of knowing why they should not, or when they will be able to learn from others and believe in life better.

Answer 2

It is you and I, as well as the other members of the human race, who are classified as 'people'.
You have already realised that "just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean that you should". And, thanks to you, I have also realised it...
It is only by such mutual exchanges of ideas that any realisations are brought about - and now that you have set the ball in motion, more and more 'people' are also going to realise it !
Spartacus, just as 'Rome was not built in a day', this process of realisation will definitely NOT be completed in just a short while. But it will now keep on spreading more and more with each passing day - until everyone of us 'people' have been made to realise the fact.
May you live to see that day !

Answer 3

Probably never. Look at speed limits,, in our village we have a single quiet road running between two main roads, there are cars parked on either side most of the time but it's a 30 mph speed limit! It amazes me how many ppl try to do 30 down the road!! I walk the dog through the village most days and have to duck and dive to avoid being run over! A lot of the roads around here aren't suitable for the speed limits set and yet ppl try to do them.
Thanks for a chance to whinge!

Answer 4

I am a creative sort of person and some people have said to me - why don't you do this for a living - your a wasted talent - why aren't you growing veg this year its such a waste of the garden and what are we going to eat.

I say to them I choose when and why not to do things -you don't own what I do - I do. I have the knowledge on what I do not you. If anyone says to me that I should then I say to them I could but its my decision whether I will or not.

they are going to realise when you tell them to keep their shoulds to themselves and just because the words in the dictionary doesn't mean they are obliged to use it

Answer 5

People do realise that. That is why they are so restrained in their actions and behaviour. They can do many things but they don't to keep peace in the society. Very few deviants think otherwise and are punished.......

Answer 6

I weigh out the pros/cons and consequences. If it is going to hurt someone or I am going to get into trouble for doing it, I dont do it. Lots of people dont weigh these options and are sitting in jail because of it.

Answer 7

Well, probably never in all areas. Then that would mean we lived in a perfect world, so what fun would there be in that?

Answer 8

People often realize this and mend their ways , when they have to feel the brunt of somebody Else who could but should not have .

Answer 9

The world will never be a perfect place.

Answer 10

I think everyone knows this but you can bet that if you can do it even though it is not necessary, morally right or correct, somebody somewhere will do it.