Philosophy

1) - yes, I can make a difference to every single person I meet on an individual level.
But on a collective level? Me personally, probably not. I don't have the power or charisma.

2) Do more people remember me fondly then think I was an %rsehole?
Was I more or less kind?
Was I more or less funny?
Was I more or less compassionate?
Was I more or less forgiving?
Was I more or less loving?

3) You must build up your life action by action, the way you do one thing, is the way you do everything and never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.

 

This thread is too philosophical for me.

 

I'll just focus on point 1.

In my regular daily actions and interactions, I consume. I use resource. Some days more than others, some days significantly more than others. I emit. My net effect on the planet may be positive for me, and maybe to a very small percentage for others, but still negative to the planet.

And I'm but one, amid circa 7.8 billion people. By 2050 (not considering existential threats), the planet will likely be pushing 9.7bn people. In 1974, it was just over 4bn. So in the space of around 75 years, the global population will have considerably more than doubled. That's mouths to feed. Lungs that breath. Water and energy to find. Space to live. More things to be consumed and used. Rubbish to dispose of. By 2100, its projected to be almost 11bn.

So can I make a tangible difference against that backdrop in terms of assisting and preserving the planet we live on? I'd say no. As any difference I make probably doesn't offset that of me merely existing. Can I do as much as I perceive to mitigate my existence, yes, to a degree. But is it enough? No, not even close.

If I look at this personally and ignore the impact of my existence on the planet, I could easily find something to pick and focus on as a positive. People I've employed, wealth I've created, ideas that have become actions, people Ive influenced and advised, savings I've found, new revenue streams I've identified, businesses I've saved, profit I've made happen. But the positive of those aspects could all be countered and used to identify a net deficit to what has been consumed of this planets resources.

But personal hubris will collectively get all of us nowhere. And in the short term, I don't see answers that can assist to reverse the destruction we inflict daily on our home just from being here.

Its perhaps all the more ironic that as we are reminded more of our own mortality, that our desire to exist burgeons and we do whatever we can instantly to preserve it. Meanwhile our environment, our habitat, our home and the life we share it with, crave a day sometime soon, where we apply the same urgency and desire to protect something even more significant than the human race.

 

1. Yes
2. My kids are good human beings
3. Try and be nice to people if at all possible even though its hard sometimes but, if you can't, try and ignore them. Plus, never vote Tory (Tories aren't nice so by not voting for them you're ignoring 'em)

 

flipping heck mate. I hope he's OK and pulls through. Incredibly sad news, I also hope you're OK mate

 

He died today mate. I'm gutted for his sister and Dad more than owt else. Such a sad waste of a young life.

 

Condolences, old mate.

 

Cheers mate.

 

Awful, condolences to all.

 

Condolences mate on this sad news.

 

Cheers mate.

 

Cheers mate.

 

1) yes, already have.

2) my life will be a success if my daughter is a happy conscientious person. I will be successful if people remember me as a kind, thoughtful person. Who has steered the young people of the town to reach their full potential and be kind and thoughtful to each other and the environment.

3) Think of the impact your actions have on others, but don’t allow other people’s negative thoughts to rule your life. You can be whatever you want to be, so make it something brilliant. Life’s to short to hold grudges, be prepared to apologise and move on even if it’s not your mistake…,. And smile.

 

Condolences pal. Unfortunately, we have a lot of troubled people in this world, who for whatever reason can’t be reached. But we shouldn’t stop trying. Thoughts are with you at this sad time.

 

My condolences.

Nearly 30 years ago, one of our friends died from an heroin overdose. Last autumn, one of my daughters close friends died from a ketamine overdose. Unfortunately, both had taken drugs that were cut with other substances that caused a fatal reaction. For our friend, his best mate became a drugs councilor and has worked for years to help people in the same position. My daughter and her friends have just raised money for a memorial bench for their friend and will hopefully use their friendship with him to push themselves forward in their lives and make a positive difference.

Losing someone is never good, but it can be positive for those that are close to them - try to channel your grief, anger and other emotions into something tangible that will make the world a better place.

 

Thanks for the kind words. I totally agree. It was a bad batch of cocaine that killed him. I'm still angry because those that contributed to his death are still carrying on as if nothing has happened. I have an idea who supplied him the drugs and know the person who held the party turned a blind eye to drugs being taken and sold on her premises. In my view she's as much to blame.

I'll keep a lid on it though because I don't want to cause me and Laura anymore pain. Cheers.