I was flipping through a Bon Appetit magazine when I saw an advertisement for a gorgeous stove. This ad had ample amounts of succulent looking food in it. Momentarily I thought how nice that stove would be and how good those delicacies must taste. Then my mind, shocked back to reality, denied me permission to engage in such fantasy citing famine in Africa and other places as the reason. Is it reasonable to deny oneself happiness and peace of mind because it seem so many do not have it?
2007-06-11 09:27:27 · 17 answers · asked by Immortal Cordova 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Instead of denying yourself, why not supply those who are suffering?
2007-06-11 09:31:59 · answer #1 · answered by it's me 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your desire to 'help' others is put there by your culture. Millions have been slaughtered by those coming in the name of 'help'.
You have accepted the idea that there is such a thing as happiness but have never experienced it yourself. All you can know is pleasure and you want that to never end to you call it happiness. It is not real.
Why should mankind be held in higher regard than any other life form on this planet? Why aren't you concerned for the bacteria or worms that live in horrible conditions? You are being influenced by thoughts which are not your own. Give up the thoughts and there is no need.
2007-06-11 16:45:11 · answer #2 · answered by @@@@@@@@ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that you should feel guilty for having things such as food or items of value .
If you feel that have been blessed in your life than perhaps you should go out and give your time and volunteer to help the less fortunate . After all not everyone is lucky in life ,the world is always been this way the have and have not,so if you have time and money to spare you should consider to help the one that have little or nothing!
2007-06-11 16:39:41 · answer #3 · answered by bornfree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compassion has a way of sneaking into one's guilt reflex center and making us think. Thats good. We can never eliminate all suffering. Thats bad.
However the world isn't neatly divided into good and bad, its all wound up in the same knotted ball. We take it as it comes.
We should have compassion for those who ail but we should also not shrink from our own healthy life because of other's woes.
There is no contentment when others are suffering. Its an elaborate illusion. Should we shatter this illusion?
2007-06-11 17:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you mean by content???We can be ok in our own lives and see the horrors in other countries in Africa, etc....and say wow we are so lucky...............I do not believe that the human being is ever fully content on the Human realm of existence.............I think we always feel empathy for others.......The buddhist believe contentment, desires.......once we work through them you will be enlightened and not return to the Human realm I read this somewhere that the Buddhist believe this. I feel like you about Africa I cried my eyes out when I watched the movie the constant Gardener.................Those children my heart broke for them...................Some people choose to turn there backs but its good that you are aware and care...........you are not denying your happiness you on the way to being a better human being..........or as the Buddhist believe Enlightened because of human suffering..............Good question :))))))))))))))))))))) I would not buy that stove either simple is always better the simplicity of life and to help others in need.....................You will get tired of the stove and want a better one in the end.............
2007-06-11 16:47:38 · answer #5 · answered by Rita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In spite of famines, wars, and plagues, mankind finds a way to live in those environments and gain pleasure from family, children, sunsets, and the beauty the world has to offer. Is a billionaire and all of his wealth is happier than a poor family struggling between paydays? In fact, often the happiest people are poor in material wealth and health.
2007-06-11 16:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by divine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you engage in the reduction of suffering that actually exists in your life, of those who actually cross your path. Look for real people with real problems and suffering, be it large or small, and if you act from a true altruistic intent of compassion, not only will you help them, but you will find lasting contentment and happiness in your selfless acts. Our reward system is hardwired for altruism, after all.
2007-06-11 16:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by neuralzen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people give a large portion of their income to charities to help with this between 1/3 and 1/10. That is a lot of money, and we admire them for it.
2007-06-11 16:50:10 · answer #8 · answered by grey_worms 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At times I know exactly what you mean but then you got to come back to life and just go on. I'm sure, you and I both, that if there was something that could be done, more than what's being done right now, we'd do it. But seeing as we can't, we also can't sit around and cry about it and deprive ourselves of what we have now...sounds cruel but, unfortunately, that's how life is.
2007-06-11 17:15:28 · answer #9 · answered by Fabi P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not reasonable. To deny yourself of happiness because others are not happy is irrational.
Respect the sufferage of others and acknowlege it, but do not suffer for the purpose of relieving yourself of undeserved guilt.
If you find yourself still feeling guilty anyway, then do something nice for someone in Africa. (donate to the Red-Cross).
2007-06-11 16:42:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not reasonable to join anyone's chain of pain. It only brings you down and disaligns you from contact with your higher or non-physical self. Only by maintaining your balance in the clear positive energy flow can you be of any use to yourself or others. It is each individual's responsibility to maintain happiness and peace of mind.
2007-06-11 19:09:10 · answer #11 · answered by canron4peace 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋