In class on Tuesday we discussed the importance of capital gain and it being one of the end results of a successful economy. Now I certainly believe that, materially speaking, basic necessities (i.e. food, clothing, shelter, etc.) are a must and have to be met; however, once these necessities are met, I think there should be another goal of economics and the laws that help shape it. This goal, I believe, is a sense of purpose, self actualization, meaning in one's life. I think, personally, one of the most important goals of a society, of a human life, is to have a sense of passion toward your life (whether that be your job, the projects on which you work, your family, etc.) and, consequently, a society should do their best to aid in this quest. Now in America, a capitalistic society, one of the most beautiful aspects is social mobility; one, starting on the bottom, if they desire enough, can work their way to the top. And this a good thing! However, despite this great aspect of our society, many fail to take advantage of such benefits. Sadly, many must do menial work? But do you it necessarily follows that menial work can't be passionate? I believe it was MLK who said:
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
Is meaning, the goal of an economy in my opinion, materially or success based? Or is it a disposition, a certain "glass half full" type of thing?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that one of the characteristics that make this country great is the ability to rise above your born caste. That is why so many immigrants risk their lives to come to “The Land of Opportunity.” Capitalism makes it possible for a poor immigrant to come to this country and become rich. I think it is idealistic to give the economy the role of giving one meaning in their life. It is nice to be able to make money doing something that you are passionate about. Most passion in people’s life comes from their personal life. Family is more important than making money.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lorne; the Unites States is run by capitalism and without it, we wouldn't be where we are today. It is also extremely nice that we are able to be on the very bottom but then someday work to the top. Most people get to the top by working their way up. It is nice as well to be able to be passionate about your job. Unfortunately, some jobs that people want, just don't pay well. My ideal job right now would to be a Corrections Counselor; however, the pay is not so great, but I am still willing to take the job because I am passionate about it. And I agree with Lorne, most passion in people's lives come from their personal life. I don't know what I would do without my friends and family.
ReplyDeleteIn theory, it would be really great if the most important goal of a society would be for each human life to have a sense of passion towards their life. I believe that at one time, this is how our nation was. As Lorne said, immigrants would risk their lives to come here in order to be free to get a job and work their way to a better life. Today, however I do not feel that this passion is as widespread among Americans as it once was. Our government makes it too easy for people to get a free ride and apply for welfare and other types of government aid. Gone are the days when losing a job meant busting ass to make ends meet to support a family. I realize that there are still many people who work extremely hard and have a passion to provide for their families, but I feel that there is a dangerous trend arising of people that are satisfied with sitting around and waiting for the welfare check to arrive instead of going out and getting a second job in order to support their family.
ReplyDelete