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Originally Posted by The An-Jel  Great thread and great arguments from Og and Sa\/en. Identification with the masses and immolation of the enemy is a form of selfish instinct but this kind of seperation from the self with the masses could possibly be construed as a "selfless" act. Og and I have had this discussion before under the topic of hedonism and the sacrificing soldier falling on a grenade. I still haven't been satisfied with my conclusion or his unfortunately. I guess the question arises in me... is there a Universal identification that goes beyond the self. While there is ample evidence everyday that people think of their own needs first and while the samples of a Universal identification with people, creatures, and even inorganic objects are far and few between. Since we are all made of the same energy essentially with different purposes it extends the question of free will into my mind. Is there such a thing? Is there such a thing as Altruism or are we guided by our own biological self generating purpose. I thought I would throw in my two cents because it's these types of questions that are balking me in my studies and writing these days. You folks inspire me to get my degree in earnest once again. |
I was actualy gonna reply in a certain manner, until I read what An-Jel wrote.
I don't know how many of you have actualy been in a situation which calls for a choice of self preservation among someone else's.
I don't know about the natural instinct of self preservation and how it can be implamented on other people like family or friends and still be called "self preservation", but I do know one thing, it is different in the contiousness of every man.
I have been a cop and a military man for the last several years, and I can tell you one thing, some situations call for special people to respond to. Not everyone can so firmly say that the sweetest way to die would be by defending another human who needed your help, which is my belief.
I don't like all people, not even most, or half, but I feel that it is because of the lack of respect that humans have for life and the community-well-being in general.
I have jumped head first, through shattered windows into houses where people were in dire danger, and I would do it any time and in any situation.
Because I can't change the world, but I can improve MY world. which I guess is egoistic in some form of psychological babble.
I also believe that giving ones life for a cause is superior, ofcourse only if it does not harm anyone elses right to live freely.
Martyrdom is pure and stupid, but it is in the eyes of the beholder.
In my eyes, the true heroes in this world are those man and women who put their live on the line in order to rescue other from harm, soldiers, firemen, policemen and special forces, coast guard, paramedics and so on.
If there is a Heaven, they deserve it more than any other.
And even if you can't see yourself risking your life for others, remember this saying, which I love dearly:
"A man cannot always be hero, but he can always be a man."
-Geotte
great topic by the way