Since the true path to happiness, according to Epictetus, is the attainment of virtue, we can all become happier by improving ourselves, whether morally or intellectually. Furthermore, Epictetus' philosophy of happiness would lead us to live less stressful lives if we came to worry about only that which we can control. Still, while I admire Epictetus and his philosophy, I do not believe that most of us could be happy purely through the attainment of virtue. I believe that social support and some level of material possessions are necessary for happiness; we cannot forever strive only for virtue. I do, however, believe that Epictetus had a strong point when he asserted that we should only, rationally-speaking, worry about what we can change -- what good is there in worrying about things we cannot
As human beings we ought to help each other out to succeed in our own destiny. “Even people who claim no entitlements to happiness would likely be in favor of reducing human suffering in the world”(Falikowski, Egoistic Versus Altruistic Utilitarianism, 2005). We must take a look into what the morality of this issue to understand why it is right or wrong. We can refer to Jeremy Bentham’s view on Utilitarianism when discussing this topic. The principle of utility states that the quality of life matters when it comes to pleasure, and if we were to make the quality of a person’s life better, we must be useful and relieve that person from pain and suffering.
Therefore, he would likely think that Plato’s ideology is too optimistic, if not ignorant, and that one must have a realist viewpoint to survive this world. Machiavelli’s “The Prince” directs rulers to be practical and do basically anything to stay in power, even if it requires being evil. He would reject Plato’s opinions regarding rulers, since Plato believed that rulers must “ascend until they arrive at the good” (55) and “the State in which the rulers are most reluctant to govern is always the best and most quietly governed, and in the State in which they are most eager, the worst” (61). Plato's views directly contrast to Machiavelli’s views on the ruler, which is that the best and most effective ruler is one that does everything possible to maintain the power in which he holds. He is only worried about the attainable future and ideals, while Plato is more focused about the enlightenment of man, and the understanding of knowledge.
He means that if the venture needs you to be anyone else but yourself, it will lead to no good. This reveals to me that Thoreau believes strongly in the individual, being yourself, and seeking your own path. This quote is also applicable to modern life because many ventures nowadays require you to conform for some purpose. The second aphorism I remembered is “Our life is frittered away by detail...Simplicity, simplicity.” Thoreau means that our focus and attention to detail now in society and culture do nothing but to waste our lives away needlessly. He believes simplicity is the better choice.
He now tells that piety is that which is dear to the gods, and impiety that which is not dear (6). Socrates then praises Euthyphro for this new definition, but still is not satisfied, and so begins to further question this definition until he can turn it into one that he can use in his own practice (6). He begins with telling of how people can have differences of opinions, and how these differences can lead into feelings of hatred, in which Euthyphro agrees (6). Socrates then go's into how the gods themselves can also have there own differences of opinions, which can also lead into unrest amongst them, which they also agree upon (6). He then leads up to his main objection of this definition by means of stating that even though men and gods love that which they think is noble and good, and hate that which is opposite to those things, not everyone thinks this way about all things (Plato, 7).
An activity done by extrinsic motivation may not be done because a person enjoys it, it’s often done because they want the end outcome. Working out is a great example, the result of looking better is extrinsic motivation, and the working out is not done because they like how they feel when they workout. Amotivation is the lack of motivation or drive to do something (McDavid, Cox, & Amorose, 2012). Amotivation is when someone does like doing something and feels there is no need to do that
In doing so, we see how essential not only it is for Lennie to gain another friend in times of loneliness, but for Crooks as well. Being secluded from companionship like Crooks is, he becomes dependent on Lennie for moments like those to remind him that he is still a human being. Lennie, like George, also doesn’t want to risk losing a friend over something minor. When Lennie wanted some ketchup and he saw that he made George angry by continuously asking for what they don’t have, he immediately apologized and said “I wouldn’t eat no ketchup, George. I’d leave it all for you.
After the examination Socrates concludes that the act of escape would be just and he would be morally unjustified and committing the act. The first argument that Crito presents to Socrates brings up the issue of what the majority think. Crito says, “Many people who do not know you or me very well will believe I might have saved you had I been willing to give money, but that I did not care to do so.” (Grude, Pg 47) Crito’s argument is clearly concerned with his own reputation, especially with what the majority
The significance of this analogy is to convey that one must only listen to the ones with more knowledge. Socrates thinks that wrongdoing damages the soul and that cirtue benefits the soul. According to Socrates our soul is more important than our body. Socrates thinks our soul is the most important thing because it is what we are and it will continue on after our bodies die. Socrates says that "one must never willingly do wrong" because wrongdoings damage the soul.
He seemed almost ambivalent to the continuation of his life but instead was concerned with the wisdom of his actions during his life. “You are wrong, sir, if you think that a man who is any good at all should take into account the risk of life or death; he should look to this only in his actions, whether what he does is right or wrong (Apology 28b).” Socrates believes that it is a disgrace to back down in the face of danger when he has done the right thing. This is especially true for Socrates because of the charges against him. He refutes all of them and shows that he does believe in the state Gods, that he does not charge a fee for teaching, and that if he pollutes the minds of young people it is of there own free will. His strongest argument is that if he did do wrong he did so unknowingly and therefore should not be punished.