It is more of a truth to me than a belief that to every problem there is a best solution, not a wrong vs. right solution. In fact there are always many solutions to any one problem, some good (meaning they make the problem smaller) and some bad (meaning they make the problem bigger or create new problems). I suffer from a loud conscience, one that demands the burden of finding the solution that is of the greatest benefit to the largest number of people. Conversely, if a solution harms any, it is best to continue to search for an answer that might have been better. Problem solving doesn't end with settling on a solution. It always begs the question "Is there a better way?" I don't think there is or should be an end to that search. It is that kind of searching that has caused humans to pave the foundation of the planet we live in today. And it is our responsibility to continue to ask that question. As long as humans are here, living and dying, we must keep working toward a goal of leaving our world better than we found it.
We must honor the risks and sacrifices our parents and ancestors have made. But it is not time to stop, we must keep moving forward. I thank you, my parent generation for having fought so hard for me and my brothers and sisters of this generation. Now it is my turn to sacrifice something for my own child and the children of her generation. It is time to do a massive, sweeping search for answers to the problems that our children, grandchildren and so on will be facing. It is unacceptable to stop here, knowing the damage and suffering war causes to all, knowing that our level of consumption as organisms on this planet far exceeds our level of sowing. It is unacceptable to continue to allow our energy and resources to enable nations and peoples that are enemies of our planet and the humans inhabiting it. It is unacceptable to sit back, watch and wait to act until the parent generation has retired, leaving us with mass destruction and corruption to fix. As a mother, I have trouble sleeping at night knowing that across the ocean in the Middle East mothers are being ripped of their children and children watch as their fathers are slain. As it is written, "There is a time for war, and a time for peace." I say that now is a time for peace. If "There is a time to sow and a time to reap", now is the time to sow. If we do not, I fear we face a very grave future.
The Parent Generation
By turtlesuds - Posted on October 6th, 2008
Tagged: better future
• Better future
Your argument is based on both the concept of utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number) and on the fact that it is assumed there is always a better way. Perhaps, it should be thought that the "better way" that is constantly sought, doesn't actually exist and that yearning for it is pointless. It will allow more enrgy to be devoted towards making a difference with a real solution, not just an ideal one.
But if I accept your answer, then I will give up now, never hoping, never striving for anything better than what already exists. Why are you blogging anyway? Why go to school? Why speak? According to you, by breathing, sleeping and eliminating I am fulfilling my responsibility as a human and have no other purpose.
I think that you have touched on something that many people may not consider anymore, with the changes of things that are happening in our society.
I think that having excess has led some people to be far more removed from understanding that life is more than about receiving. If we do not start teaching a new generation about the importance of sowing or giving, then we will be in a situation where selfishness rules and respect will cease from existing.
I would argue that we are witnessing that generation right now. Ever since the integration of the "self esteem" movement in schools children stopped learning how to respect others but instead learned to love themselves more. It has lead to narcissism in a majority of this generation.
Giving has very much become a situation in which our generation expects something back. Rather than for the common good we expect our giving to lead to getting into a better college, tax breaks, medals and rewards. Almost every motivation to do go has selfishness behind it nowadays.
The Heathen's Guide to: Greed