Controversial Political Opinions

[JasonBlack]

(06-18-2022, 07:36 PM)Eric the Green Wrote: I think "caring about" is a more authentic and alive function than "duty."

They need not be at odds with each other. Regardless of how "passionate" you are though, everyone has to grind through things they don't feel like doing, often for very long stretches. Passion alone isn't something that can sustain you through that, especially not through something like rearing children.

Quote:I would prefer the idea of adhering to principle rather than doing your duty. That which is done out of love, is superior quality to that which is done out of duty. Real life has to spring from within, not imposed from without. That doesn't at all mean that life is only individualistic. I disagree with that approach. Real life is caring, and that includes caring for others. "What do you want" and "Can you act and behave according to virtue" are both worthwhile concerns. Monogamy may work better for the majority of people, if it is available to them. I don't consider that it was available to me, whether rightly or wrongly on my part. But I have heard the research that suggests married people are happier. I disagree that one size fits all, and I support people finding their own way. I agree with "follow your passion," but a passion for truth, virtue and caring is just as passionate as following sensual desires; if not considerably more so. I don't knock those who choose monogamy. I do knock those who knock those who don't, and who seek to impose the morality on others that was imposed on themselves.

If you like the word "principle" better, go for it. Personally, I use them in the following manner
principle: adherence to my values
duty: my responsibility to other people 

Both are important concepts, but I feel the need to differentiate, because I know plenty of people who are high on one, but low on the other, and each comes with its own set of consequences.

I think the difference in perspective here is that just because duty involves something I owe other people doesn't mean other people get to define what "duty" is for me. If anything, I have zero desire to follow authority about 90% of the time, and the 10% of the time where I do think it's a good idea, I'm...just not very good at it (though it's probably a good thing most people aren't like me tbh. "too many chiefs, not enough Indians" if you will). 

Meanwhile, you can do something you're passionate about that's collectivistic, but if you're mostly running on passion...it's still about you. Passion is often good at getting other people to be receptive to you, but it's not good at being receptive itself. It's also not very useful when you agree to do something and need to hold up your end of the bargain even if you no longer desire to do so after better understanding the implications.