I really enjoy the question you’re asking here. I’d say that you make a good point, and on the surface, it might seem like there’s a stronger argument for not giving a moral pass for family time, hobbies, etc. However, I would imagine this is counter productive in the long run, ironically making it immoral.
EA seeks to relieve suffering, but why? Just so we can float around and exist? No. In hopes that beings may have fuller lives, to enjoy loved ones, to maintain the freedom and the potential for joy that we should all have a right to. Human history has often shown that when we eliminate these fruits of life, it drives us crazy, and we create unnecessary kinds of suffering for ourselves and others all over again. If we cut out all personal enjoyment, I’d say we’re destined to cause more problems, even if we’re cutting it out for a noble cause. Not to say we shouldn’t be frequently reevaluating ourselves and seeing what other ways we can contribute to EA outside of money, we just need to prioritize a balance.
It’s like that Robin Williams quote in Dead Poets Society, ”...And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”.
I really enjoy the question you’re asking here. I’d say that you make a good point, and on the surface, it might seem like there’s a stronger argument for not giving a moral pass for family time, hobbies, etc. However, I would imagine this is counter productive in the long run, ironically making it immoral.
EA seeks to relieve suffering, but why? Just so we can float around and exist? No. In hopes that beings may have fuller lives, to enjoy loved ones, to maintain the freedom and the potential for joy that we should all have a right to. Human history has often shown that when we eliminate these fruits of life, it drives us crazy, and we create unnecessary kinds of suffering for ourselves and others all over again. If we cut out all personal enjoyment, I’d say we’re destined to cause more problems, even if we’re cutting it out for a noble cause. Not to say we shouldn’t be frequently reevaluating ourselves and seeing what other ways we can contribute to EA outside of money, we just need to prioritize a balance.
It’s like that Robin Williams quote in Dead Poets Society, ”...And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”.