While making another post, I used the idea that some people think that the world owes us something. So, my question is: Does the world owe us something? Do we have the right to think we deserve something just for existing? Or should we earn everything we have?

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Truly, some believe that the world owes them something -- but just try and collect!

On a more serious note, the world has already provided everything that it is going to provide for our upkeep. Whether it ought to provide more is a pretty moot point, isn't it?

However, in return for having been provided with what we need, I rather think that it is we who owe a debt that must be repaid. If nothing else, we owe future generations the opportunity to receive the same gifts that we received, which seems to mean taking some measure of care of the world.

And perhaps, since we are so often the recipients of that which we need when we are least able to get it for ourselves, we need to give some of that back, too, and take some thought and care for our fellows.

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evangelicalhumanist: Greek "eu"=good and "angelos"=messenger. Spreading the good news of Humanism.

I don't believe in the idea to owe or deserve. Those ideas are based on a belief in duality. Everything we have (or don't have) is in direct relationship with who we believe to be.

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May your awareness be perfection

I don't think that the world owes us anything at all -- it sustains our bodies without asking for any more payment than for us to in turn treat it with respect, what more can we expect?

Unfortunately, humanity in general doesn't seem even to be aware of the bargain.... - which will probably be rued by future generations....


Peace, Love, & Light

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"An object is perceived, or not perceived, according as the mind is, or is not, tinged with the colour of the object. "
Patanjali - Sutra 4:17

Your answers always amaze me. They are profound and insightful, even when I don't agree. Which in this case, I do agree with you. We must take care of the earth and her resources if our children and our children's children will enjoy their time on her. Plus, if we show compassion for our fellow humans, then we can make the world a much better place. Now the question remains, how?

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Future generations will adapt as we have to the damage done before us. What saddens me is that we haven't learned our lesson and changed our ways. Change is always slow and difficult.

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Elaborate please.

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Is it? I'm not sure who one would discuss it with, though? It's a bit like commuters waiting for the bus and complaining to each other about it being late: a bite of a waste of effort, thought it relieves a bit of stress, I guess.



Hard to do when we are tearing through the non-renewable resources, and hopelessly contaminating the renewable ones.


Very true...but more people take than give, even when they have benefited fro recieving themselves.

"Be seeing you..."

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Grassaf, Eolas

No, the world does not owe us anything it us who owe her everything. We have raped her tried to destroy her & she has given us life & a place to raise our children. She’s given us water to drink & swim in, she’s given us A sun to warm ourselves & the ability to create life. People think that we can keep treating her this way & we can’t we’re not going to have a place for out grandkids & their kids if we don’t do something soon. This is one of my petpeeves my wife & I try to do what we can to give back but at times its hard when you see so many others doing that they can to destory it.

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I worship the old Gods because my heart tells me too not because I am told too.

Why would the world owe us something? When I was a theist, I felt that God made us, and that alone should be satisfactory enough. And now, as a non-theist, I believe that we have a responsibility towards each other to do the best we can to help one another eliminate suffering and accentuate a moral happiness.

But how can I be completely happy when I see my brothers and sisters suffering? How can I be completely happy when I see people hurting others or being uncaring?

In Buddhism, we often talk about the Middle Way or the Middle Path. I can be happy to a point, but I should realize that my happiness has it's limits if I see you suffering. And if I see you just as important as myself, then I should do my best to alleviate your suffering. Standing by and just complaining is not an option.

I used to remember that as a child I'd get so excited to get presents. As I got older, I then would get so excited about giving presents. Now I believe the best present we can give anyone is to truly care about them.

Reminds me of a cartoon a friend of mine sent me who also has studied Buddhist philosophy. Imagine this very young Buddhist monk opening a wrapped present on Buddhamass day, but the box is empty. So the young monk happily exclaims "Just what I wanted-- nothing!".

Shalom,
Vern