In a message dated 12/13/99 9:54:45 AM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< No. Happiness is an individual thing. I wouldn't presume to say that
one person's happiness is less moral than another's so long as
both are law abiding. I think you've set up a false choice. Bill Gates
has lots of money, but in earning it has saved countless lives
through advances in computer technology. Also I think you'd be
hard pressed to argue that those with money haven't done "good"
with it. The biggest waster of money is government, not to mention
the greatest killer. >>
Platt, think about what you just said. "...so long as both are law abiding."
Is compliance with social laws really your gauge of morality? That's a truly
absurd way to determine whether something is good or bad.
"What is good, Phaedrus, and what is not good....Need we ask anyone to tell
us these things?"
I certainly don't have to ask anyone whether saving another person's life is
more moral than saving my own cash pile. *No one* should have to think about
this, not if you're a member of the human race. It's not a false choice
Platt. I think perhaps it's a choice you don't want to be confronted with.
You and so many others.
The rest of your post, from Bill Gates on down, is outrageous and highlights
exactly the type of delusional thinking that is wrong with the world today
(especially in America). Anyone with half a brain, frankly, could debunk the
last part of your post with the ease of stepping on a cockroach.
So I'll just ask you this: if I had the capability, and *knew* I had the
capability, to save 500 people from certain doom, but instead only saved 200,
would that be considered moral? The number of people who are helped by
billionaires such as Bill Gates absolutely *pales* in comparison the number
of people they *have the capability* to help, but chose not to. Am I wrong?
Jon
P.S. I think it's great we can debate this stuff passionately. Let's not take
any of the remarks too personally.
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