Warning: I'm going to sound like a whiny, whiny person in this post, but I need to talk some things out regardless of how much sense they make or how stupid it sounds when I type it out. How can I know what I think until I see what I say, right Peter?
It seems like many of the events I've witnessed in my life have pointed me to believe that nice guys finish last. Striving for compassion, growth, and development of character almost never leads you to the end you want. It seems like the wicked prosper. Those who don't try to be a good person but instead excel at ridicule, drinking games, and procrastination win.
With that in mind, I have been pondering what the point is in continuing to strive for the good. I don't think there is anything inherently more satisfying about being good than being bad, especially knowing that the bad guys are rewarded for their actions.
Why are we good? What is the point if no one appreciates it? It seems to me like the terms "good" and "bad" should be reversed because the majority of people don't value the "good."
I suppose the heart of this is that I've become increasingly frustrated with trying to be the best Mark Walter I can possibly be only to be overlooked, ignored, or left behind. I know lots of people are going to tell me that I need to find the satisfaction within myself, but try as I may I can't figure out how to do that. On some level, I want people to recognize that I'm a good person. It's tough.
Suggestions? Food for thought?
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3 comments:
Being "good" hoping to be rewarded for it is not what the point of being "good" is.
It only seems like other people get ahead by doing wrong or not being "good." The truth, as cheesy as it may sound, is that by doing what you think/feel/believe to be true and right, you will have a stronger character and more peaceful spirit. "Why me?" is an acceptable question to ask from time to time, but I've always found that nice guys finish first just by being nice guys. Maybe they don't always make the most money or get the girl, but they are strong and secure and still nice guys, and that is so important in this world full of disillusioned, angry and bitter people. Sorry for being so preachy. Hope things work out for you.
I think you're right at the end, Mark: we all want to have our right actions and intentions justified by our communities. I think the problem you're having is that you're looking at the wrong community. Rather than looking at the people around you physically, look at your "moral neighbors," so to speak. We DO value the person that you are.
And why is the good worth striving for? Imagine what kind of a world this would be EVERYONE strived for the "ridicule, drinking games, and procrastination." I don't know what the real world is like any more than you do, but it seems like the people that are really successful in life AREN'T the ones that drink all the time and procrastinate in college. Sure, there are some underhanded people who are successful, but I know they aren't the ONLY successful ones. Persevere, friend! :)
i've never thought of you as someone who would ever be overlooked or ignored or left behind. i agree, it does seem as though evil prevails most of the time, but keep your eye out for those who appreciate you and you'll see how much good there really is. everyone has the ability to make a positive impact on the world, whether it be small or great. from personal experience, i know the difference one person can make on how you look at life.
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