Thoughts on humanity?

Triathlon Forum
1

As I read Tom D’s website about planes and life I got to thinking about a question that I have had many times for people I meet. AS my mortality seems to hit me in the face often in recent years, I try to put things into some sort of perspective that I can tolerate as what my meaning of life is.

My question is – what have “we” done. “We” being my generation. I am now 30 years old…and have done nothing that will benefit society in a positive fashion even one second after I am no longer a living bi-pedal carbon based life form. What have we as a society done?

My grandfather used to tell me the great stories about electricity, cars, flight, space travel, TV, radio and on and on. What has my generation done? What can we offer humanity going forward? We have done no more than advance the technologies that already existed prior to our births (computers and even the internet go as far back as WWII). I can not think of a sing thing that my generation made that makes the whole world silent with awe. My generation has no Wright brothers, no Einstein, no Franklin (or Tesla)…we have no Walt Disney, Dr. Suess, M.C Escher…seems we have only minds that can alter what we have into another form that is a perceived improvement on a previously “invented” creation.

I am certain, that not at any moment in my life have I thought of a thing that was before un- thought. I am sure I have never had a new dream that was not the dream of another person before me. I wish I had one thing that I could say “Wow….in all my life I never thought that was possible”.

I have been working on a book that I started back when I was living in foster homes…the title says it all I think (I am not sure if you are supposed to write a book based on the title?)

The title is “Why can’t I tickle myself”?

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Michael Jackson seems to make the whole world silent these days. Silent and scratching their heads in total wonder and amazement.

3

It is a pretty tough argument to say that basic technology advances in computers and medicine don’t satisfy your criteria. I am hoping the medical advances help you in the not too distant future. They certainly helped Lance. His cancer would have been hopeless a generation earlier.

At 30, you are a bit young to have made contributions that change the world. Those things happen, but they are rare.

My generation is helping freedom advance across the world. Many more countries embrace democracy now compared to a generation ago. Hopefully your generation will continue this process. The previous generation payed the price in blood and treasure to preserve freedom. Maybe this is arguably incremental, but it is incrementally changing the world. You are part of this process as are we all.

Good luck on your book.

4

in reply to: “I am certain, that not at any moment in my life have I thought of a thing that was before un- thought. I am sure I have never had a new dream that was not the dream of another person before me.”

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” - Isaac Newton.“The safest generalization that can be made about the history of western philosophy is that it is all a series of footnotes to Plato.” - A.N. Whitehead

No thought is truly original because we are bound up in the same human condition as those who have come before us. We flounder in our time with the big questions and do the best we can. Those who came before us and will come after us did and will do the same.

I think you are rushing to judgment on the paucity of genius in our generation. (I too am 30.) Genius is something that takes time to be recognized and understood by the rest of us mortals. Also, while “macro-contributions” to society that might survive in a more noticable form after you die are important(e.g., electricity, flight, theory of relativity) , dont underestimate the importance of “micro-contributions” (e.g., tutoring a kid to get to college, raising children, loving your spouse & family, being a good friend, etc.) These things will also have important reverberations long after you are gone.

5

The stuff our generation is doing with genetic technology could very well eliminate genetic diseases in the future. That’s just one thing. We explored Mars for two.

Once the wheel is invented, there’s no need to keep re-inventing it. We make a better wheel than the generation before us, and the next generation will make abetter wheel than we did. Each generation builds on the one before it.

Our generation may build monorail systems, a permanent space station, underwater canals that connect continents, genetically enhanced food (more food, less space) etc. The great contributions of our time will likely be in the field of genetics, technology and morality permitting.

Only one generation had the “Wright brothers”.

6

Deep question. I have been reading what all the others are reading, and I am not reading anything deep or sexy right now, so I don’t have any pithy quotes to answer your question with. My answer is this–

About 12 years ago, I was basically asking myself the same question you are. All I could answer with was that I had spent three years in the Marine Corps. To some, that might be enough, but my military career ended unsuccessfully (for me) due to illness. Therefore, I didn’t really have any kind of legacy I felt I was leaving. At that time, I was asked to become involved as a Boy Scout leader. Surprisingly, I found myself saying yes. While some people call in to talk radio and rail about “the youth of today,” I am trying to do something about it one kid at a time. In the past 12 years, I have seen 25-30 kids earn the coveted title of Eagle Scout. But, I have seen far, far more grow up and become productive, law-abiding, morally upright citizens (some are even over in Iraq right now). If even one “bad” kid turned out to be a good man due, in part, to what I did, then I feel the past 12 years of my time has been worth it.

So–Don’t sit around and wait for “your generation” or “the government” to do something. Take the bull by the horns and do something yourself. You’ll feel better about yourself, and when you’re gone, maybe someone will remember you for what you did. (Lots of liberal sniggering about it–but this is what George H.W. Bush meant meant by “1,000 points of light.”)

7

On a more serious note. . .

Only an egotistical bore can claim to have made no contribution to greater humanity.

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Welcome to the New Millenium, Record. As a Gen X’er myself, it took time to realize that the mission in life is to consume. Buy an Escalade, some 22’s, roll to the mall and load up on the Hilfiger gear,dog. Ain’t nothin’ left. Why do you think the twentysomething generation is so bent on partying and clubbing? Use it up before it’s gone 'cause it’s better to burn out than fade away. If you worry too much about shit like God, you will just get frustrated. Head to Good Guys and score a 48" Plasma High-Def and Direct TV with TiVo. You make bank–don’t worry about anything else.

Sorry to disapoint, but it’s true.

Brett

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Meaning of life? Easy, and I have done a lot of thinking about this, I am convinced I am right:

Some random happenstance of biological events- quite remarkable if you ponder it- put us here. Now its up to us to make the best of it. How do we do that? Many people have many different ideas about how to do that. Those differences create conflict. Those conflicts make “bad things more and good things less”. And there in lies the central problem in our existence: How to get along. So the meaning of this existence: Try to get through it while doing minimum harm and maximum good, then making a graceful exit. There are no guarantees about what (if anything) happens once we die, so given that, it’s best to make the best of what we’re doing right now and not sweat the rest.

As for what we have done? My High School invited me back last year to address the gifted, honor students and their families at an honors assembly before their graduation. That’s ironic since my GPA in high school was 2.73 but did better in college and the military.

I told them: “Tonight I have two things to say to you: First, an apology for the condition of our society my generation leaves you with. We really screwed it up for you and I apologize for that. Second, give yourself credit for everything you have achieved and revel in it. You guys are our hope and we need you to do a better job than us to save our asses. So, good luck…”

Our generation has accomplished a lot: Worldwide the standard of living for human beings is better than it was five decades ago. It is easier to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world. We have begun to recognize we must value and conserve our resources. The list does go on and on. Those things are significant.

We just have to keep doing it.

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Welcome to the New Millenium, Record. As a Gen X’er myself, it took time to realize that the mission in life is to consume. Buy an Escalade, some 22’s, roll to the mall and load up on the Hilfiger gear,dog. Ain’t nothin’ left. Why do you think the twentysomething generation is so bent on partying and clubbing? Use it up before it’s gone 'cause it’s better to burn out than fade away. If you worry too much about shit like God, you will just get frustrated. Head to Good Guys and score a 48" Plasma High-Def and Direct TV with TiVo. You make bank–don’t worry about anything else.

Sorry to disapoint, but it’s true.

Brett

Brett, I have the twin turbo Porsche, the fancy clothing, watches and toys…that is not it. I got to carry the Olymipc torch even last year - based on my “stuff”…(DCFS is proud that I am about the only foster kid to NOT end up in prison). That is not what it is about - for some reason a ride on a bicycle makes me 100 times more content than a ride at 180mph in the car. Put me on a road - alone in my sick thoughts - on my bike…that is where I am happy. I honest to god think that the happiest time in my life is the years that I was homeless. I would steal books from stores and where ever and read. I had no schedule, no tax, no bills, no worries other than the basic needs of life.

Christmas eleven or so years ago now, I wandered all night alone in the snow trying to find a way to get arrested - that way I would get food and shelter for the holidays. That night I slept in a laundry room of an apartment complex, hungry. That may have been my best christmas ever, as my gift was knowing to appreciate the things that I have earned. Knowing what you have is very important, even if you have nothing. Knowing that you can turn nothing into something - that is far more valueable.

11

If you don’t think you’ve contributed anything to society, it’s time to get of your ass. Don’t wait around for other members of your generation to “do something great”. Get started.

I teach. I pass something on to the next generation every day. It might not always be “textbook material”. It might be information on how to prepare, how to dress professionally, how to speak well, how to show respect, how to be organized, how to expect results from yourself, athletic advice, etc. They may not remember genetic recombination in 30 years, but they’ll remember something productive I taught them, even if it’s just to “prepare ahead by ironing your clothes the night before”. Even though I could likely be making double my salary emptying test tubes or pushing the button on a centrifuge in a lab somewhere, it is much more rewarding to pass something on that will travel through generations.

Every day I show a little boy (my son)what it’s like to act like a man. I show him committment to God, to family, to self, to preparation for success, and the achievement of success.

IMO, I’m doing my part, and it has nothing to do with “generation”. I’m not the only one doing this. Lots of people are doing things that make the world a better place. That stuff doesn’t make as much news excitement as a triple homicide or slefish behavior, but the good deeds are out there.

As far as “world impact contributions”, how many of those can there be? How important are those in everyone’s individual day? What if everyone made a smaller contribution? Would the world be a better place?

Everyone does their part, and the world gets better.

What will be your contribution today?

12

The problem with wondering if you’ve made a difference is that you end up in the land where your glass is half empty, a land of continuous regret over things you “should” or “could” have done. On the other side of the coin are all the things you HAVE done. Its so much easier to point out to ourselves and others where we fell short of ideal, though. Its much easier to look out there and say, “well, I didn’t invent the airplane,” or “I wasn’t part of the ‘greatest generation’.” Its much harder to look and say “I made a difference in that person’s life.” The problem, Tom, is not that people aren’t out here dreaming. The rub comes in the DOING. Don’t regret what you haven’t done. Revel in what you HAVE done.

13

Interesting thread. A lot of what people are commenting on are related to technological advancememt, and I think that when we look back at the current generation, we will definitely find some technological achievements that rank up there with the big ones. Some might even equate the early internet pioneers with Gutenberg or developers of electronic medicine techniques with Pasteur…

The other thing to consider is how anyone can make a more direct impact in the lives of other people. For me personally, the past year has been full of developments on that front.

About a year ago, purely as an excuse to do an ironman, I founded a charity to raise money for Make A Wish. Long story short, I have personally raised almost $20k and have funded the wishes of 4 kids in S. Florida. That’s nice, but even better is the fact that another 20+ triathletes have gotten involved, raising money for their local chapters of Make A Wish. In most cases, both the triathletes and their beneficiaries have expressed the view that they consider this overall initiative something that “benefits societyin a positive fashion.”

Did I/we invent a new cancer drug? No. Did we make a positive difference in the world? I’d like to think so, and I’d like to think that we will continue to do so going forward. It’s a little like “think globally, act locally.” If everyone got involved in a community project or some other “positive” activity, the collective result would be much more staggering than Wilbur and Orville et al…

Love the book title.

Ciao

14

Meaning of life? Easy, and I have done a lot of thinking about this, I am convinced I am right:<<

Tom my friend…you blew it right there. If you are convinced you are right about the meaning of life, does that mean everyone who does not agree with you is wrong? I would have to take issue with that. That may be YOUR meaning of YOUR life, but not someone else.

And, from Ironstevie:

The other thing to consider is how anyone can make a more direct impact in the lives of other people. For me personally, the past year has been full of developments on that front.<<

How true! Though one doesn’t have to go out and raise money for charity (but if that’s your thing–cool). Rather, sometimes just by your day to day living, your actions affect others, and it’s really nice when they tell you that. Kinda makes you want to keep doing what you are doing.

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Here’s a simple idea: For every race that you do, pick a different charity and solicit donations from family, friends, and coworkers. Get a dollar-a-mile commitment from everyone you can. Think of the collective good this simple exercise would produce if done by every person on this message board. Hell, we could all gang-up on a single charity for each big race.

On a more human note, our curse is to survive as any other animal. Aside from that, all we do is try to produce pleasure and avoid pain.

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It’s the meaning for me. It’s different for everyone. That’s what I mean about things that create conflict.

Like this one.

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Matt,

Though you make valid points - the fact is the moment the Wright brothers took to the air, people knew things were forever changed. When the first man was in space, when “Mary had a little lamb” was played on the first phonograph…people knew right then and there that history was made.

Last weekend when US soldiers pulled Sadam from a hole in the ground - it was instant - they knew history was made.

I would like in my life time to see a positive thing that will forever alter every day life for all humans everywhere - and I would like to see that be a flash in the pan kinda - WOW. From now on, things are changed. (David Blane dones not count and he cant really float).

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Record, I do want to acknowledge your sucess-not measured in monetary terms-at excelling through some difficult times. Perhaps the wisdom from some of the other posters will help. You came from the foster home system and are now making a good living and an Iron-distance athlete. Perhaps a few hours a week or month volunteering as a Big Brother or some similar youth organization will provide the feeling that you are making a difference or leaving a mark. Given that you are aware that material goods don’t satisfy, you can pass that on to the very impressionable young folk who I can tell you feel that is all there is to life. With the prevalance in todays pop-culture of imagry and wearing the right gear, you might be able to provide a positive counter message. Just a thought.

Brett

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Rather, sometimes just by your day to day living, your actions affect others, and it’s really nice when they tell you that

Kind of reminds me when a certain someone went out of their way to find me a wetsuit to borrow…Thanks Also when they posted "Kenney’s an IM.

22

You know, my mind is awash right now in the myriad things that I can say. Many of the other posters have already beaten me to the punch.

I have wanted to write a book on how modern man(specifically men, not humans) should live his life, as friends who have read some of my rantings think it would be good, and they like my curmudgeonly tirades. Yet I stumble upon the same block you mention: That there is no new thing under the sun. Yet for all our technology, most people are unhappy because they don’t know what life is all about. So they try to fill it with stuff.

A few random thoughts:

People who set out to improve the world usually fail. Those who do improve the world are acting in a way that seems right, and that fulfills them. They are rarely appreciated in their lifetimes.

There is a book in print that traces all human achievement to seven men. Seven.

People often mistake arrogance for genius and genius for insanity.

All the technological whohaa has not improved our lives in a genuinely meaningful way, but simply made it easier to be isolated, lazy, and dumb. I’m glad I don’t have to crap in a bucket, but if the Internet died tomorrow, I’d buy less stuff I don’t need and read a lot more books. Ditto televison.

I am a fool, a stupid monkey whose brain is filled with thoughts that I cannot explain. Once in a while, I experience something so wonderful and exquisite that I simply must share it with others, yet I can find no words to do so.

You improve the world each day when you interact with others. A kind word, a door held open, a smile on the street. These things all make the world a nicer place, even if they are not reciprocated.

Do good for its own sake, not with the expectation of a reward.

The meaning of life is to find happiness.

Sorry, when you go deep, I ramble. If you have a few hours, a couple of six packs, and some single malt, come on over and we’ll get this straightened out.