There's "The Good"

Then there's "One's Good Life"

As much as I don't believe in "objective truth", morally I think that self-less-ness is the ultimate good. That is to say doing things against one's own happiness is what is best; helping stranger's etc...

I don't think it is in all of our best interests to be self-less, but in terms of our biological role, I think that we should try to provide as best we can for our eventual families.

Next I think its just as important to do something one loves. To find your life's work and pursue it everyday.

Lastly location plays a big part in happiness. I know that (as much as I love California) I'd be happier doing what I do (Playing Music) in a state with a lower cost of living, because I wouldn't be stressing out about the bills as much.


So, in the end, happiness, for me, has to do with: providing for others, ridding myself of extraneous stress and other worries, doing what I love (reading/learning/growing) and at the same time creating.

 

Its so each his own definition. I believe a good life will be defined by at the end leaving behind children and grand children who are well adjusted and successful.

 

[QUOTE=s2000raj,Aug 2 2007, 09:50 AM] Its so each his own definition.

 

interesting answers. one esp was the guy who said how can people who grew up with messed up parents deal.

 

[QUOTE=S2020,Aug 2 2007, 01:25 PM] Saddam Hussain left behind children and grandchildren.

 

I personally think living a "good life" doesn't have anything to do with being happy or "doing what makes you happy."

To me: "A good life" is constantly striving to leave the world a better place every day.

I could spend a couple hours helping people or catching up on sleep. Catching up on sleep would make me much happier right about now. But you know what I'll wind up doing? Helping people instead. And this specifically includes helping people who can't help themselves and aren't in a state where they can even appreciate / acknowledge the help you're giving them (e.g. no emotional payout for your "help").

Ask yourself: What did you do today that made the world better?

I think of people I consider having a "good life" and I think this fits: From Mother Teresa to Gandhi to the local "good" guy who offers support and encouragement to troubled youths....

 

helping others is good, but this world seems to be moving away from that trend, imo. i would love to help others, but it really feels like you're fighting the current. therefore leaving you with the "just do what you can for yourself and those around you" mentality.

 

The mark you leave on the world after you've passed, is the ultimate goal of a life well lived in my mind.

 

Was the world a better place with you in it?

 

that has no bearing for determining whether you lived a good life or not.

the planet is no better off with any of us on it than not. we are the only animals on the planet vain enough to think we matter beyond the perpetuation of our species.


the world could care less if you or I were on it.


Unless you meant the "world" as a metaphor for our collective human experience and the interactions we have with others. in which case I would say cool statement/question