Improving the Quality of Life.

@Quinn phil,

[size=3]Anyone have any answers?

I guess I'll have to post up my answers to these questions, so people can argue them. Smile

Can the quality of life be improved from what it is right now? Yes, I think that the overall amount of people who are living uncomfortably right now could live comfortably in the future if we change some things. What things? Lowering the tax amount! Trillions of dollars in the amount of time that Bush was President were spent on weapons. I could understand trillions of dollars being spent on insurance for the families, food for the soldiers, and everything else including weapons. BUT WEAPONS ALONE COST OVER A TRILLION DOLLARS. I believe that the quality of life could've been greatly improved, for Afghanistan as well as the U.S if this war had never happened.

I do believe that improving the quality of life is the best goal for the worlds society and government to obtain. That's what people want, right? Good lives?

I don't think that the industrial revolution was a good thing, simply because of its effects on us, intellectually. With all of this technology, we barely have to go outside in order to survive. We have everything done for us! God forbid we actually take a nice walk to someones house, sit down with them, and have an intellectual conversation! However, not much use pondering over that, for technology will always improve, whether we want it to or not.

I have no answer for the last question, I can't really tell.[/size]

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@Quinn phil,

Quinn;110936 wrote:

This may have already been a thread presented. I'm pretty curious about it, and I'd like to discuss it with you guys. Here's a few questions.

Can the quality of life be improved from what it is right now?

If so, how do we improve it?

Do you believe that improving the quality of life is the best goal for the world to achieve? If not, what is?

For all of you who knew what the industrial revolution was; Was the Industrial Revolution a good or a bad thing?

Do you think that as a society, we are declining, or rising?

You could help a lot by typing normally.

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@Quinn phil,

Alright, I'll change it.

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@Quinn phil,

Quinn;110936 wrote:

This may have already been a thread presented. I'm pretty curious about it, and I'd like to discuss it with you guys. Here's a few questions.

Can the quality of life be improved from what it is right now?

If so, how do we improve it?

Do you believe that improving the quality of life is the best goal for the world to achieve? If not, what is?

For all of you who knew what the industrial revolution was; Was the Industrial Revolution a good or a bad thing?

Do you think that as a society, we are declining, or rising?

1. Yes, especially on the personal level. But if a person is dying of cancer, it might be only pain pills that are useful.
2. So many ways. Think in a more positive light. Eat better. Love folks. Spend money wisely. The usual good advice. Don't start useless fights, etc.
3. Pretty much. For me, the point is happiness/quality.
4. Yes and no. Mostly yes, I think, despite all its negative aspects. I sure do like all this technology, and all these supermarkets stuffed with food. Modern dentistry is also nice. So are the movies made possible by technology. The cheap printing of books. The internet. Mass-produced cheap clothing. True, there are some down sides, but see #2.
5. Both. Depends on what you are measuring by.

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@Quinn phil,

The assumption seems to be that everyone knows what the quality of life should be, or perhaps that it is the same for everyone; the assumption seems to be that we can improve it if we choose.

The Industrial Revolution that began in the early 1800's and continues today was not without its toll (Hard Times, written in 1854, begins to point out the problems), but at the same time it provided a better quality of life for an every increasing number of families. During the reign of Victoria the tension between technological progress and the resultant social and human problems that gradually developed and became manifest was a constant. These human costs of industrialisation, when they appeared too high, were mitigated by common consent, just as today humanity is attempting to reverse emissions causing global climate change.

1 Reply

@jgweed,

jgweed;111223 wrote:

The assumption seems to be that everyone knows what the quality of life should be, or perhaps that it is the same for everyone; the assumption seems to be that we can improve it if we choose.

.

I wonder why you say that. I don't think that most people have some ideal notion of the quality of life. Nor that it is the same (or need be the same) for everyone. At least some people have some idea of what would be an improvement in their quality of life, and although I think these ideas do overlap, I don't think everyone has the same idea. I think in the United States there is a general optimism the the quality of life can always be improved. But that is a part of our history and culture. I don't believe that is so in other parts of the world.

1 Reply

@kennethamy,

kennethamy;111228 wrote:

I wonder why you say that. I don't think that most people have some ideal notion of the quality of life. Nor that it is the same (or need be the same) for everyone. At least some people have some idea of what would be an improvement in their quality of life, and although I think these ideas do overlap, I don't think everyone has the same idea. I think in the United States there is a general optimism the the quality of life can always be improved. But that is a part of our history and culture. I don't believe that is so in other parts of the world.

I'm pretty sure that everyone wants the quality of life to be improved. Whether they show it through work and nationalism, (Like we do), or they show it through other ways that will only cause more turmoil. They complain, they rebel, they suicide bomb, all that stuff. Whether it be through the means of society, or through the means of an individual, everyone wants a better quality of life.

You may be confused also, because some people have different ideas for "quality of life." Yes, some people think the best quality of life is to not have a care in the world. Not have a job, or anything. Just to wander. Whatever, they can be classified as lazy; nonetheless, that's the quality of life that they choose. Others wanna live it up big; others wants a nice peaceful life; others want a life in the big city (etc...). Whatever it may be, they have a preference for living. Kenneth, your's may be to resent this statement. That's also a choice.

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@Quinn phil,

My point about quality of life is that it can mean many different things to many different people; thus, it seems to follow that there would be as many different ways to "improve" it.

To make any discussion meaningful from a practical point of view, it might be useful to agree upon what major criteria we would use to determine what "quality of life" is.

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@Quinn phil,

You know, as transitional as our world is right now, I'm glad I live in a time when my child doesn't have a 30% chance of dying by the age of 5, and my parents can expect to live beyond 50. I'm glad that we have access to information and education. I'm glad that class struggles, while present, are levelling compared with 200 years ago. Of course we can do better, but has there really been a better era? Really? I've lived and worked in developing countries -- it ain't bliss.

1 Reply

@Aedes,

Aedes;111815 wrote:

You know, as transitional as our world is right now, I'm glad I live in a time when my child doesn't have a 30% chance of dying by the age of 5, and my parents can expect to live beyond 50. I'm glad that we have access to information and education. I'm glad that class struggles, while present, are levelling compared with 200 years ago. Of course we can do better, but has there really been a better era? Really? I've lived and worked in developing countries -- it ain't bliss.

There have been times where I've completety agreed with you. I probably still do. But there are so many different views, and so many different perspectives, that it would be insulting for a large percentage of people in this world to blantly say, "Life is the best, right now." Technologically, look at us. Not only do we have electronics, but we have electronics that operate from the sun. Meaning, until the end of time, there is no excuse not to have a low battery, (unless there isn't too much sun where you live.) We no longer have to write letters. Hell, we don't even half to stay in one place, as we carry our laptops around and see someone else's face on the other side of the world and communicate with them over a laptop. In movies 10 years ago, they predicted another 50 years before that could happen. Look how fuckin' quick we are! Economically, come on. Look at us. Tsk. Look at our planet. Tsk. You ought to've seen Al Gore's presentation. If you have, well, that was in... 2005? 2006? Imagine how bad it is now. Won't take long for global warming to eleminate us.

Politically, America and middle eastern countries have been goin' at it, and America's just being stupid. Barrack sent 30,000 more troops in to Afghanistan. Change, my ass.

I'm sure homeless people would disagree with you as well.

Quality of life should be better. It can be better. But is there a way to make it better, for everyone?

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@Quinn phil,

People need to educate themselves on things pertaining to the quality of their own life first. Read about diet, see a nutritionist, exercise, learn about their own bodies and what works for them, both nutritionally and physically. Simple things like health can, and will, improve the quality of life, atleast in North America, tenfold. The problem is the people who can take care of themselves, don't. They have their flatscreen T.V.'s and their McDonalds, why would they need anything else? Half the people I know are oblivious to what is happening to the world, and I mean that literally and in terms of the human race. To improve the quality of life for everyone, we need to look at the main issues we now face, and how to surpass them.

Global Warming - C02 emissions are higher than ever. The target emmission reduction is what, 50% by 2050? China, and India the leading developing industrialized nations are not even on board. But who blames them? Many nations industrialized and developed early, before the effects of Global Warming were known. And now they turn and try and halt the development of other nations? Why I oughta!!!

War - Do I need to get into it? The US occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq is certainly not helping the quality of life for anyone involved. Try driving a little of that money to push forward in areas like education, technology and innovation, pharmeceuticals, healthcare. The list goes on.

The world will continue to get warmer and "natural" disasters will continue to strike.

History tends to repeat itself. Humans are easily corrupted and greedy.

I'm rambling but,

"Quality of life should be better. It can be better. But is there a way to make it better, for everyone?" - Quinn

Agreed, Agreed, and yes. We just don't want to do it yet.

1 Reply

@Clydesdale,

Clydesdale;124556 wrote:

People need to educate themselves on things pertaining to the quality of their own life first. Read about diet, see a nutritionist, exercise, learn about their own bodies and what works for them, both nutritionally and physically. Simple things like health can, and will, improve the quality of life, atleast in North America, tenfold. The problem is the people who can take care of themselves, don't. They have their flatscreen T.V.'s and their McDonalds, why would they need anything else? Half the people I know are oblivious to what is happening to the world, and I mean that literally and in terms of the human race. To improve the quality of life for everyone, we need to look at the main issues we now face, and how to surpass them.

Global Warming - C02 emissions are higher than ever. The target emmission reduction is what, 50% by 2050? China, and India the leading developing industrialized nations are not even on board. But who blames them? Many nations industrialized and developed early, before the effects of Global Warming were known. And now they turn and try and halt the development of other nations? Why I oughta!!!

War - Do I need to get into it? The US occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq is certainly not helping the quality of life for anyone involved. Try driving a little of that money to push forward in areas like education, technology and innovation, pharmeceuticals, healthcare. The list goes on.

The world will continue to get warmer and "natural" disasters will continue to strike.

History tends to repeat itself. Humans are easily corrupted and greedy.

I'm rambling but,

"Quality of life should be better. It can be better. But is there a way to make it better, for everyone?" - Quinn

Agreed, Agreed, and yes. We just don't want to do it yet.

Nice answer...

How do you suggest we do so? I've been wondering if figuring this kind of thing out should really be in the hands of politicians. Maybe it should go to us philosophers? We seem to have a nac' for looking at every point of view available, assessing over problems and what not.

I think we should leave it in all of those organizations. Unisef, help for Haiti, Peace corps, w/e. They seem to be doing a mighty fine job.

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@Quinn phil,

Quinn;124559 wrote:

Nice answer...

How do you suggest we do so? I've been wondering if figuring this kind of thing out should really be in the hands of politicians. Maybe it should go to us philosophers? We seem to have a nac' for looking at every point of view available, assessing over problems and what not.

I think we should leave it in all of those organizations. Unisef, help for Haiti, Peace corps, w/e. They seem to be doing a mighty fine job.

I'm with you there. Though there are many good hearted politicians, I think the problem lies more in the political process and the faith and trust it is given by a nations citizens. We believe that the laws and bills passed are done for our benefit when often they hurt us more than help us.

Do you think once given that sort of power these organizations would stay true to their cause? The people in high, controlling positions would have to be those wanting to help, so could they hold their ground and do whats "right"?

So, I guess my solution is that perhaps people absolutely need to become part of the solution rather than the problem. Get more involved in politics. Treat your body better, the best solution for health problems is prevention. We can go a long way improving the quality of life for OURSELVES before we do it as a group. I think that's where we should start.

1 Reply

@Clydesdale,

Clydesdale;124570 wrote:

I'm with you there. Though there are many good hearted politicians, I think the problem lies more in the political process and the faith and trust it is given by a nations citizens. We believe that the laws and bills passed are done for our benefit when often they hurt us more than help us.

Do you think once given that sort of power these organizations would stay true to their cause? The people in high, controlling positions would have to be those wanting to help, so could they hold their ground and do whats "right"?

So, I guess my solution is that perhaps people absolutely need to become part of the solution rather than the problem. Get more involved in politics. Treat your body better, the best solution for health problems is prevention. We can go a long way improving the quality of life for OURSELVES before we do it as a group. I think that's where we should start.

I think what keeps us from doing this is the un-sureness in the rest of the world. I was a vegetarian from age five to age eleven, because I didn't like how they killed animals and stuff. Finally I had come to a realization that no matter how much I don't eat meat, the same amount of animals are going to be killed.

I'm always tempted to litter because of how dirty a place is. Exedra. So, I think the world needs a clean up. Like, some people are just trying to have fun before they die. They believe that there individual efforts alone will not cure the world. Individual effort should probably come from a group effort that sets an example.

For example, if my school was completely cleaned, I wouldn't be so tempted to litter on it, (Although I never do.) See what I mean? If I told the world to buy a more environment friendly, fuel efficient vehicle, not many would take the individual responsibility to do so. I think group effort would change the world, and individual effort would sustain it.

1 Reply

@Quinn phil,

Quinn;124559 wrote:

Nice answer...

How do you suggest we do so? I've been wondering if figuring this kind of thing out should really be in the hands of politicians. Maybe it should go to us philosophers? We seem to have a nac' for looking at every point of view available, assessing over problems and what not.

This would be the end! Rename President Obama to Prime Minister and USA could be ruled by a King Philosopher.

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@Quinn phil,

Quinn;125039 wrote:

I think what keeps us from doing this is the un-sureness in the rest of the world. I was a vegetarian from age five to age eleven, because I didn't like how they killed animals and stuff. Finally I had come to a realization that no matter how much I don't eat meat, the same amount of animals are going to be killed.

I'm always tempted to litter because of how dirty a place is. Exedra. So, I think the world needs a clean up. Like, some people are just trying to have fun before they die. They believe that there individual efforts alone will not cure the world. Individual effort should probably come from a group effort that sets an example.

For example, if my school was completely cleaned, I wouldn't be so tempted to litter on it, (Although I never do.) See what I mean? If I told the world to buy a more environment friendly, fuel efficient vehicle, not many would take the individual responsibility to do so. I think group effort would change the world, and individual effort would sustain it.

I do agree with what you're saying, but I think people need to get out of that mind set. I'd like to see the individual take the innitiative and responsibility of educating themselves. Whether it's litter and its effects, or the unethical eating of slaughter house animals. Then apply that knowledge and clean up after themselves, recycle, whatever.

Basically, I think the individual should strive to be the shepherd not the sheep!

Quinn;125039 wrote:

I think group effort would change the world, and individual effort would sustain it.

That is only my opinion, and the above is a more relevant, attainable target. And how it should happen. Who will be the group? Is it up to the government to take charge and push for these things?

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@Clydesdale,

Clydesdale;125692 wrote:

I do agree with what you're saying, but I think people need to get out of that mind set. I'd like to see the individual take the innitiative and responsibility of educating themselves. Whether it's litter and its effects, or the unethical eating of slaughter house animals. Then apply that knowledge and clean up after themselves, recycle, whatever.

Basically, I think the individual should strive to be the shepherd not the sheep!

That is only my opinion, and the above is a more relevant, attainable target. And how it should happen. Who will be the group? Is it up to the government to take charge and push for these things?

Well, let's look at some of the good in this world. Right now, America has done a whole lot of stuff for Haiti that Haiti wouldn't have probably done for us, just because we're a richer country. Rightfully so. It almost seems like the United States is trying to fix it's mistakes right now. Imagine if all of United States had an earthquake, and we were vulnerable. Would people help us, or...? Well, nevermind, that's a paranoid thought.

But basically, look at Help for Haiti, and the Recycling company. Help for Haiti raised well over one thousand dollars from MY SCHOOL ALONE. And we're not a very rich school at all, infact we're public. So, in schools nationwide, we've probably raised almost one million dollars, in money, food, or items. There are even organizations for helping Haiti outside of school: All the donation jars at stores and churches, the organization place itself. Without that group, Help For Haiti, a lot of this wouldn't be happening.

Now look at the Recycling company! Man, the recycling company has probably saved our earth a few hundred years! Recycling bins world-wide now, stopping trash toxins and over-production.

So, what I'm saying is that groups like these set the bars for individuals. We need more groups like these. Who will be the group? Whoever cares enough, I suppose.

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