interesting discussion

[winterbadger]

from a discussion of Angel here:

See, I think it's people's nature to be good, and from there it's a long slide down toward evil. You can stop it at any point by simply taking action. Something has to start that downward slide, though...

I'm not sure that I think that it's everyone's nature to be good. I think that it's in everyone's nature to fulfill their own desires. And that some, many, people are conditioned at an early age to find happiness in fulfilling the needs (or desires) of others.

I think for some people that conditioning is reinforced by social means (a failure to follow the imperative towards considering the needs of others will result in social isolation), or by the image of a vengeful god (god will hurt you if you're not good to other people) or a god who leads by example (god helps people, so how can we do any less?), by programming of the self (if you don't help others, you will be a bad person), or simply by self-interest (if people always help those in need, then everyone in need--including someday probably you--will get help when they need it). Obviously the motivations that depend on a complusive deity are the most effective, if you can convince people to believe in the deity; I may be able to convince myself I don't care what other people think of me or socila or self-programming are just imposed on me from the outside and don't have any real moral force, but if there really is a god then its desires are presumably irresistable.

Comments

[azbound.livejournal.com]

My only comment is this: If as much energy went into trying to solve actual problems in this world as analyzing a character on a TV show (a show that doesn't even exist anymore), then I'm thinking the world might be a fine and dandy place to live. But that's just me.

[winterbadger]

Well, in the case of at least one of the participants, this is her way of unwinding after 12 hours of duty in a war zone. So I'm guessing her energy is being pretty well consumed by other things. :-)

[azbound.livejournal.com]

Don't mind me - I'm having a cranky day.

[selki.livejournal.com]

It may not be broadcast anymore, but it exists as much as books do. Ever read a book or poem that influenced you? Ever been inspired by a character, either negatively or positively? Endless talking about fictional characters and theoretical situations doesn't do much for the world, but fiction gives a common frame of reference for discussion, and discussion sometimes changes peoples' minds, or firms their resolve. That's not nothing, in my book.

I'm not a big fan of Angel (still aggravated by char. devel. and the ending), but still.