If so, how does society move forward as a whole?
2007-07-14 04:58:49 · 9 answers · asked by Amanda L 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
This is an interesting and somewhat profound question, because personal fulfillment and societal fulfillment can often times be at odds. I found this statement on a web site which rings true.
"Robert Bellah and his associates, the sociologists who wrote Habits of the Heart and The Good Society, two of the most distinguished books about American life in the last decade, say that the desire to get the most out of ones life, to be the best or achieve the highest, is a hallmark of our time. We are so intent on fulfilling ourselves and our destiny, say these scholars, that we put our own lives and careers above everything else. Our individualism matters more to us than the success of any larger entity or institution. Organizations are suffering today because we no longer value sacrifice and service above personal success and enjoyment."
In my view, personal fulfillment is in the genes of the human species. We would not be the dominant specie on the planet unless we were driven by internal desires to "fulfill our destiny". Many people have the ability to incorporate the advancement of society with their own personal ambitions, but this current generation of humans appears to be driven by materialistic achievement and not the common good and survival of the species.
Just my personal thoughts on your question.
Buzzy
2007-07-14 05:41:58 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes. The reason society as a whole can move forward, or backward, is because the combined fulfillment of all the individuals drives it. Thus, when the majority are fulfilled by actions which enhance society, we move forward. Conversely, when the majority in a region are fulfilled by actions which negatively affect society (or life), we move backwards. I am not sure which direction we move in the most these days.
2007-07-14 12:46:47 · answer #2 · answered by naniannie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could say that. And we could go on and on as to what that means. Doesn't society move forward as a group of individuals? Whether our self betterment serves as an example for others to follow or frown upon, it has an effect. If we create something to sell for our own profit, and it is good for the buyers too, then doesn't our personal fulfillment contribute to the group fulfillment?
2007-07-14 12:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by phil8656 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By "personal" do you mean individual? The purpose of human existence is demonstrated in the fullfullment of one's human nature in accord with virtue. This fulfillment can only be properly accomplished in a social context. If the self is construed as entirely self-sufficient and self-contained in terms of their the fulfillment of their purpose, not only with the individual be frustrated and ontologically impoverished, but society will become stale and unbearable.
2007-07-14 12:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the ULTIMATE goal of the individual soul is to learn to love unconditionally [AGAPE]. This means having compassion and empathy for everyone. The only way to gain empathy is by experience. So the only way to gain the ability to love unconditionally is to experience all that there is to experience. Yes this does imply many many lives and yes I believe that the soul is eternal.
2007-07-14 20:04:32 · answer #5 · answered by Beneplacitum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be perceived like that, but if one ever reaches it?
"I'll be happy when...
We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.
We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we are able to go on a nice vacation or when we retire. The truth is there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges.
It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with ... and remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting ... Until your car or home is paid off. Until you get a new car or home. Until your kids leave the house. Until you go back to school. Until you finish school. Until you lose 5 kg. Until you gain 5 kg. Until you get married. Until you get a divorce. Until you have kids. Until you retire. Until summer. Until spring. Until winter. Until fall. Until you die.
There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching."
2007-07-14 20:52:17 · answer #6 · answered by I love you too! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
the idea of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you is the goal.
and society works best when most people adhere to it.
the reciprocity is the reward for your actions and thats much nicer.than self gratificatition
2007-07-17 10:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the person. some people just live for money, power and/or fame.
2007-07-14 12:25:42 · answer #8 · answered by celticriver74 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one foot in front of the other...but first you must have a unionifed meeting of the minds
2007-07-14 12:24:00 · answer #9 · answered by juno987 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋