Who would you judge to be of better character?

Question

A. Someone who works very hard, obeys the law, a good family value person. He would help out anyone out because he's been taught he should. Although he sometimes does it begrudgingly. He's earned the respect and admiration of many.


Or
B. Someone who has no drive, no ambition, smokes marijuana on occassion, gets passing grades in university (although he could do much better), has views much different than the mainstream, but harbours no ill will towards anyone and sees it as a privilege to help out another person.

Answer 1

i always go over this question in my mind. Have you heard a song by 'the streets' on their first album 'original pirate material'? it discuss' this problem with two men taking on both roles. It made me deeply think about this.

The man who works and is legal throughout whatever he does may be the most horrible person in the world. he may be aggressive and think hes better than everyone else who may not be able to get a job for some reason like a disability or even just plain old bad luck.

The man who smokes a class c drugs (which may i point out are legal in certain parts of the world) could be the most nicest kindest man you have ever met. He will accept all people just as they are and will not judge himself against them.

So once i have examined both the characters i think to myself...'who would i rather be friends with?'...Person B without a doubt. I believe he would be more of a friend to me than a person who begrudges helping me when i may need them most.

The song i mentioned before really helped me work this out. Its worth a listen. x

Answer 2

This question is quite difficult. On one hand, I really like another person's answer who says it is not his/her place to judge. However, on the other hand, that is an idealized reply for we make judgments of people all the time (whether consciously or not)--like "I bet he's rich because he has a ferarri." We judge people for the outward attributes; it is only human to do so.

To answer the question, I lean toward the first for one and only one reason. The second seems too inconsistent. Part of them has so much to offer the world--quality education, different viewpoint, and desire to help others. In contrast, they don't really seem to want to help others. They could be the next Socrates, Aristotle, Hegel, Kant, Locke, Buddha (had to throw the drug reference in), Sartre, Mill, or Derrida; however, since they lack motivation (even though they have unorthodox thoughts), they will never fulfill their potential and the WORLD will miss out on the possibility of a new idea and the thoughts of a great thinker or philosopher. In that, he is, then, not really "seeing it as a privilege to help out another person" because he may have the potential to do great help (cure for cancer?), but he sits unmotivated. It is not the drug use of the second that is the worst part: it is his inability to see that his indifference and lack of motivation harms more than just himself.

Answer 3

Neither one sounds realistic. More like stereotypes. If these are characters you're developing for a book, have them deviate a bit from the mold. The hard-worker smoking marijuana, for instance. Or the student with no ambition getting A's in school without much effort because he's brilliant.

Answer 4

The person who has no ambition, could just be going through a phase(and the phase could be long,so you could be chalking it up to no ambition)
Marijuana on occasion I do not see as a problem,as long as this persons ambition is not going by the wayside due to the pot-smoking.
Views much different from the main stream are what make this world go round to some degree,we all need things put to us from a different perspective.
I wouldn't judge either one to be of better character because exhibit A.is more likely to stand up to what society thinks is a better character,I myself may be so hopeful in exhibit B and his or her outcome,I may see the shining star that no one else can.
peace

Answer 5

That is a toughie. Both have good qualities, most people would instinctively go with A, but for some reason I think I will choose B. Now just a minute I think I know why, A does not need any help with his or her character, but B does. So I guess my original choice stays.

Answer 6

What character are you looking for is the main question. Both have good qualities, although it seems like one does the right things for the wrong reason and the other the opposite.

Answer 7

Mr.B is better except for the marijuana smoking. we view these kind of people with disrespect but we dont know what they really are. they may have more wisdom than Mr.A.

Answer 8

It is not my place to judge my brothers.

Both are doing the best that they can at the moment.

Each is following his own path. The perfect path for him.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 9

I try not to judge people hahaha Jesus says not to judge so I try not to because I know I will be judged haha Zingis check you mail I invited you to my 360 Page.....

Answer 10

It's not for me to say but I will say that anyone who means no harm on others is a long way there! x