|
Dissolve into Evergreens
|
||||
|
Out West info Mitzi And Sam guilt by fallacy Gold Stars Un Done Un Settling Un Safe Un Event Justin Oldham - Politics and Patriotism
Wilco The Flaming Lips The New Radicals John Mayer Zero 7 Dream Theater Radiohead Death Cab for Cutie The Notwist O.S.I. Ani Difranco The Shins Elliott Smith Badly Drawn Boy Chroma Key Coheed and Cambria The Streets Andrew Bird Sufjan Stevens Atom Site Feed 
|
2.21.2006
I see it as a human tendency to see our own path through life as the most moral and most deserving of praise. After all, if we did not see our own decisions as being the best ones we could make, then we face two possible choices; rationalization or regret. So it stands to reason that we might find ways to defend the path we have taken through life as the best of all possible worlds -- or at least one of the best. Coupled with that is the reality that choosing certain paths through life will result in greater financial compensation. I can see how it might be tempting to confuse the material success that one has achieved with the moral rightness one feels. One thing follows the other. "If I where not the most deserving why would I have what I have? If this were not the most just and rewarding system, why should I feel justified in feeling like I deserve the material rewards I enjoy?" The flip side of that self-reinforcing belief system is that it leads to a judgmental view of differing or opposing paths. "If the path I choose leads to greater material rewards and greater moral certainty, then other paths must certainly lead to less material gain and less moral ways of living." I'm not saying that I condone this line of thinking, only that I recognize it. Piled on top of this tendency is the marketing message that reinforces the belief that the "American Dream" is being lived by those with the most material wealth. Every time we turn in the TV, the message is aimed at those with the money to make the corporate dream of ever escalating profits a reality. Its a reality of business; to seek those that can provide businesses with greater profits and to make consumers believe in a version of reality that suits the business world's needs. So while I think of my own path through life as being rewarding and fulfilling, I have to recognizer that others feel that way as well. I am only bewildered by those that feel like their own path is the only one of worth. | |
About Me
Any Box 
|
||
|
Dissolve into Evergreens
|
||||
