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[shadowsfire32]

I am a member of an online community. In this community I had a private conversation with this one man about our philosophies and philosophy. Because I thought it was extremely meaningful and perhaps insightful, I'm going to share it with you all. Nothing has been edited aside from a single name.

Note: This is a LOT of reading.

Comments

[jast313]

If you don't mind me commenting, in an attempt to evade doing my journalism work, I think that in your discussion over the idea of happiness being the ultimate goal, you stumble onto the issue of human nature. Indeed it can be argued that Einstein proving the Unified Field Theory would have brought him a great sense of achievement and happiness, after all its only natural to feel happy when you accomplish something you have invested so much interest in. So then you can indeed say that happiness was indeed the ultimate goal. But what really has to be called into question is motivation. What if for some reason or another, your pursuit does not result in happiness for you? Or perhaps you motivation for a life's pursuit is the good of a common people or possibly even a single other person? What if Einstein completed that theory completely for the good of other people? Then you further get into the thought that through helping others, a sense of accomplishment, happiness and dare I even say it, purpose is gained. I suppose that it all

[shadowsfire32]

It comes down to the ultimate 'battle' between the Id and the Superego. The Superego wants us to do things that result in a benefit for mankind and society. The Id wants us to do selfish things for ourselves only. Satisfying either will bring you happiness, and failing to satisfy either will bring you sadness.

[magdal]

Satisfying either will bring you happiness, and failing to satisfy either will bring you sadness.

Dude. I really disagree with this.
Debate it with me later tonight perhaps? -I'm stepping out presently.

[jast313]

i have to agree, because not all failures bring sadness. sometimes that which is learned from failure is almost if not more so valuable than having succeeded.

[shadowsfire32]

Failure to satisfy, not failure itself.