An individual should have the best interest of the community as a whole in mind. This doesn't necessarily mean in the forefront of one's mind at all times but, at the very least, in the back. Most decisions, even if they are personal, affect the community, whether it be family or the nation, in some way. Because of this, it is unquestionably selfish to act soley on personal desires constantly.
For example, Calhoun's choice to stow away on the Republic affects Isadora's fate. Similarly, using a more modern example, a student's decision to cheat to better his/her own grade compromises the integrity of the institution to which they belong.
It is obviously unreasonable to expect that every individual decision or choice can accomodate both personal and collective perspectives. The balance, then, relies on individuals striving to make most or, at the least, the choices that affect others the most, with the good of the whole in mind. In addition, certain choices are exempt from this logic - primarily ones concerning survival or immediate kin. The Allmursi demonstrate this when they forfeit their "oneness" with the world to take over the Republic and attempt to regain their freedom.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment