Some philosopher, I think Aristotle, said it is better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied. Is it? Why?
While in general I agree with the statement, sometimes I have my doubts.
2007-09-05 16:47:13 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Well, imagine a child lying on his front, pounding the floor, in the middle of a mall, demanding that his mother buy him sweets. Now, imagine a pig, happily rolling in mud, with a trough full of yummy slops beside it, perfectly unaware (nor caring) that when it's fat enough, it would meet its demise.
A screaming kid in a shopping centre means embarrassed mom, and shoppers thinking, "Why doesn't that woman just shut her kid up?!" A jolly, grunting pig means everyone's happy, including the pig itself.
Which would you rather be? The screaming kid, or the happy pig?
2007-09-05 17:17:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps Plato said that? Well, I think in terms of truth and delusion, of course a human dissatisfied is more truthful than a human who has become a satisfied pig.
2007-09-05 16:51:25 · answer #2 · answered by the Boss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The advantage of being a human is that we can remember past satisfactions and figure out how to achieve more.
Animals have the advantage that they live in the moment, without words or bogus philosophies.
Animals have the supreme disadvantage that they cannot always depend on humans to do what is best for them, or for their own human race for that matter.
This philosophical statement refers to the fact that humans have choice. Animals do not.
The distinction is simple: We can choose to do right, thereby making our satisfaction more meaningful.
The human that merely satisfies animalistic desires, uses the greatest gift of human intellect to achieve low ends.
The human that uses his intellect for high ends will always find satisfaction in trying, even if he fails. Therein lies true satisfaction.
Here the Great Greek philosophers show their reverence for intellect and the capacity of human Reason. They also show their contempt for those that misuse the gifts of high birth.
In that sense, it is better to be a deeply fulfilled animal, than a shallow human being.
2007-09-05 17:29:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a human being has a choice to be satisfied or dissatisfied, while a pig cannot. we have the ability to make our life whatever we want it to be, so if a human being is dissatisfied, he brought it on himself.
2007-09-05 17:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pig does not know he is satisfied, that is a human concept. I will keep my humanity and continue to envy the satisfied and happy pig in his muddy sty.
Pigs are exceptionaly intelligent, moreso than a lot of people...
2007-09-05 17:01:13 · answer #5 · answered by inkgddss 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
John Stuart Mill said that
2014-02-24 22:53:54 · answer #6 · answered by Laura 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What did he mean by a pig?
2007-09-06 16:11:25 · answer #7 · answered by phil8656 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋