Mr A, well said. In the following response, I hope to venture into new territory by providing a few thoughts that came to me in reading the March 26th post.

Thought # 1Mr. A states:

Doesn’t this speak more to creating a better life for ourselves than keeping us from contributing or making progress? Living by or creating an example of how to live life to the fullest and not become the habit. But could it be that these habits create parts of our journey that are a solid foundation and a security that allow us to travel or wander off. Habits provide us with a place to come back to when we are down with that adventure and allow us to reflect. I do agree that habits have the tendency to make us become complacent in life and meld into the background scenery.

I honestly believe that the concept of Good. That is, Good itself. Full disclosure, this is a weak rendition of the Platonic forms ( I am sorry to constantly quote others in this blog, its makes me look pretentious, but I do not want to take credit where it’s not due). To have a better life one must do what is good for themselves. What is good for oneself, if truly good, has to participate or be a part of Good itself. Therefore, when we do what is truly good for ourselves it is the best for the world. And as you say, the idea is to create good habits to help keep it going.


Thought # 2

Mr. A also states that we have a right and wrong because of past generations philosophies and beliefs. I agree with this, but I have to add a thought. It is true that right and wrong is defiantly due to past generation’s philosophies and beliefs. But one has to be carful when saying that. For to hold onto that line, is to fall directly into relativism. For example, there are cultures that that via tradition condone rape as a coming of age rite. Also, forgive the second sexual reference, let us not forget female genital mutilation in Africa used to usher girls into womanhood. I argue, a priori, such things are indefensible. But not to go too far, let me just provide a oversimplified but sufficient statement. While everything regarding right/wrong may be culturally, philosophically, and historically relative, it still has to/not to adhere or participate in Good. Here is some food for perspective. Jefferson felt that his slaves were humans and should be free, but still had them until he died. Looking at his life, many life circumstances could get him excused ( not saying he is), especially given all that he did to care for his slaves while trying to abolish slavery altogether. The point here is that it might of been ok for what he did given cultural relativism, but the bottom line is even he knew it was wrong and worked to undue it. A second example is a bit easier. I think it is wrong how we pollute the planet and use fossil fuels. Yet I still own two cars which are used often. THis does not mean I should abandon the freedom cars offer, I just buy smaller cars, think twice before I run an out to the store, and sometime ride my bike.

Thought # 3 Mr. A states:

It is the individual who decides if life is better than it was before. I would suggest in relevance’s to me that life is better than 100 years ago.

My response; of course it is. The only point I want to make here is that my level of happiness is not better than, for the most part, those before. Think of a modern rich man. If he were to loose almost everything and a have an income similar to ours, then he would be miserable- at least for a while. But we know that prior to him loosing his money, he is no happier than you or I. I would at least hope so, for my goal in life is not to make a lot of money. For sure, I know at least one way I could have doubled my income so far and totally did not go for it. Just saying.


The Good, wherefore’s journey:

My journey in life is to discover and promote good. Most of my efforts go into my family and nursing. The constant challenge is for me to stay on track and to, God willing, improve upon what I have done. I realize in the grand scheme of things, I will fail at everything, but as I have stated as being my ending epithet “He died trying”. I am not going to be the perfect father or husband, but it does not mean I am not going to die trying. Likewise I will never fully understand just what it means to promote caring in nursing, but God willing, I will die trying.

Life is about meeting and overcoming these failures. I am happy for them as I know it is these failures that give me purpose and meaning in life. Every moment gives us an opportunity to improve upon our failures, to improve upon our participation, and understanding of the Good. Every time we participate in the good or its knowledge we improve upon ourselves and the world. Every time we are not mindful of what we do, our participation in the Good, one has to wonder what happens to the world and ourselves.