Computer Scientifically Rocking Mr. Roger's Socks
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A couple of weeks ago, I asked my friends to tell me what mattered to them, what they valued…or more specifically, what they thought an ideal community and an ideal individual was.
I got quite a few rather awesome responses, and I wanted to share them all with, well, everybody.
But I wanted to do more than that. I am currently writing a rather significant piece, and I need all the ideas I can get.
So comment away and tell me what YOU care about. Over the next couple weeks I am preparing a rather significant little treatise that will synthesize many of the ideas that YOU ALL give me. So besides sharing your ideas with everyone else, you are also helping me a lot.
Here are what people wrote:
JOE K
For an individual:
1. I think it's important that people have standards for themselves, that they value independence, discipline, integrity, and growth and that they push themselves to live those values.
2. I think individuals should care about local events, and should stay informed about and participate in local politics and cultural life.
3. I think individuals should make an effort to know and help the people living around them.
For a community:
1. I think communities should value freedom and rigorously defend the autonomy of their members whenever it is possible to do so.
2. I think communities should understand their role in the larger world, and be as committed to good citizenship in the world around them as their individual members are to citizenship in the community.
3. I think communities should understand the importance of creating aesthetic and cultural fixtures that community members can be proud of.
Karen H
It's important that an individual recognizes his/her strengths and works to magnify and use them. This also fits into what is important for a community, where the members value others' strengths because they lack them, realizing that only when they come together can they really get things done in meaningful ways.
It's important for both individuals and the community to realize that change is inherent to existence. Things will never remain the same over time. Instead of resisting it, we must acknowledge it, work with it, and have fun with it.
Jen R
Well here are the individual values that you didn't mention that are important to me:
1. Never do anything you wouldn't want done to you, or that you wouldn't be proud of.
2. Love uninhibited, and if you get hurt, get back up and do it again.
3. Look inside FIRST for love, trust, and peace. Only then can you find it outside yourself.
4. Do all the things you want to do "someday" now. Realize that life is short.
5. NEVER sell yourself short, always believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
And you pretty well covered the community, but I have two more:
1. Do your part preferably collectively to keep your community clean.
2. It starts at home: Teach your children right from wrong, and how to keep their minds and hearts open.
Sarah McD
values for a community:
1. active and engaged with each other, willing to establish relationships
2. a sense of one-ness, but not exclusive to new members
3. active concern in maintaining the general welfare of the community, an interest in improving it
4. respect for all members
values for individuals (you already took most of mine):
1. open-minded-ness
2. sense of humor
3. health (physical wellbeing as well as psychological)
4. ability and willingness to empathise and understand the needs of others
5. active and engaged in life, the world
Diane S
Personal:
1. I think it's important to laugh at yourself.
2. I think it's important to play.
3. I think it's important to do things that are outside of your comfort zone.
4. I think it's important to be kind.
5. I think it's important to be positive when others need it, even if you don't feel it.
6. I think it's important to trust others & to be honest.
7. I think it's important to be happy with and without other people.
8. I think it's important to know your own opinions & to question them.
9. I think it's important to read.
10. I think it's important to do things for others...
Communal:
1. I think it's important to take into account where people fit, what they are good at, what they prefer.
2. I think it's important to be inclusive, loving, accepting.
3. I think it's important to be fun.
4. I think it's important to be supportive.
5. I think it's important to educate.
6. I think it's important to discuss, argue, converse.
7. I think it's important to get outside.
8. I think it's important to nourishing.
Mark
I think people should hold themselves accountable in life. I think that theyre needs to be more love and less hate. I think a community should promote this. I think that the media should focus on these moments. Their not rare but some people believe kindness is. A community should be able to speak directly to its leader, regardless of the risk to his life. People shouldn't kill people, unless they are in imminent danger. When disputes can't be settled in words they should be settled in fists. If two communities disagree, then a sword fight is appropriate.
Shawna
I think it's important that individuals never judge what they don't understand. Living by this principle some may try to understand others so that perhaps they can judge them. Not only will they hopefully find some common ground with a complete stranger, they will also realize that you never truely understand anyone, and therfore you can never truely judge anyone.
I think it is important that an individual knows themself. Not only their strengths, but their weaknesses as well. To focus on one aspect of your personality is to create an imbalance within yourself. Embrace every part of you that makes you who you are, and if you see something that you don't like, change it. Only you have the power to better yourself.
Building on my previous thought...I think it is important that an individual realizes that everyone is flawed, and that really flaws are like beauty...it's all perspective. Actually the whole world is perspective, and honestly no one is right in how they see it because they can't see it all. Really that ties in with my first thought too lol.
Reid
I think that the military-industrial complex is as strong now as it was in 1968 but, for some frightful reason, people have stopped talking about it; I am enchanted and utterly confused by women; I like questioning gender roles; I think that religion is the most complex and influential fairy tale ever conceived; I like brownies more than just about any other thing you put in the oven, and I only want one if it doesn't have nuts; I think that people go about their lives much too quickly; I really like situations where you stop whatever you're doing and realize that you can't actually hear...anything at all; I think smells are some of the very best memories; I think that everybody is really interesting in some way; I have a problem with bossy people who aren't very smart; i want to build a split-rail fence some day; I like things that are different; I do not presume that I have much of life really figured out, and this does not trouble me; I expect that I have flaws I can't recognize; I wish I could sing; I think about sex more than our culture says I should; I don't believe in god but I still hope he likes me; i should answer "I'm me." i like my friends, i like making people happy, i like sitting in the sun and thinking abstract thoughts, i like in-jokes, i like watching soccer, i like clouds, i like old movies, i like drinking beer and red wine, I'd die without my iPod, i like the smell of a freshly laundered towel, i've only cried three times in the last 5 years and i'm OK with that, i like waking up next to someone, i like bookstores and libraries, i like wikipedia, i like driving fast and turning, i enjoy hats, i love walking in the woods and swimming, i think nothing smells better than a girl's hair, i think that its ridiculous that the united states doesn't have socialized medicine, i like craftsman architecture, i like Frisbees.
I guess my personal philosophy could be described as situational, non-religious and semi-pragmatic. I like some of Ayn Rand's ideas but they go way out there sometimes. That's the problem with philosophy, no matter how much "sense" any of them make...they really only make complete sense to whoever came up with them (because how can you really understand something thought of by another brain). The only kind of philosophical concept that i can claim to understand is love...that's only because I've experienced it. That's not to say that i can explain love, just that i know what it is.
I also think that being weird is important. Not the kind of weird when it is obvious that you're just doing something to make people freak out...but the kind of thing where you do something and it incidentally weirds people out. That's true weirdness everything else is just a pose.
I've decided that its impossible to get "everything" out of life...because in order to get "everything" out of something you have to spend time/effort thinking about it. this in turn, means that while you are thinking about it you are not doing something else in a completely fully engaged way. it all involves a trade off. kind of a catch-22.
Martin
I agree with all of your points regarding how an individual should approach life and I always encourage others to reach out and explore opportunities - Its a surprise and constant disappointment to me just how many individuals there are who are happy to stick within narrow, safe parameters and who have given up on being curious. I come across many individuals who live within a cocoon of TV soap operas - cheap nasty bright pink magazines about so-called celebrity - "reality TV" - computer games - material possession and fear and ignorance. Its important to care about other people and to try to help them. Its also important to care in the right way, and sometimes "tough love" is the right way. My personal view on climate change is that the whole thing has been taken over by politicians and big business to the extent that the truth is now clouded and shrouded in myth. Not all Scientists are convinced that man is having as big an influence as is commonly believed. Yes, we should conserve and preserve our world, but global warming and cooling is a process of nature. Nature is bigger than man, lets not lose sight of that. The oil industry has huge influence and has caused many of the continuing problems that man is accused of in order to allow it to continue to make money. They will have suppressed progress in order to maintain the status quo. Politicians just pick up on the issue so that they will get elected. Its important to recognize when you are wrong and where appropriate to apologize and try to put it right. So, listening to others is a very important skill. Compromise is an important factor within a community, as is taking on responsibility for one's actions. Agreeing to disagree sometimes allows the community to make progress - a live and let live policy can work . Violence never solved anything but where it is perpetrated by an individual or group the community may have to use appropriate force to maintain law and order. the community has to ensure that all of its members are educated in life and "survival" skills the community needs to provide care and support for the less fortunate without allowing the "freeloaders" to just take and not give anything back Diversity makes life interesting and I have no problem with a rich person spending their money on a nice car if they can afford it. If they have used their skill and education to attain their situation then they have a right to express that. I also have no problem with a poor person living a simple and uncomplicated life. However I do object to the rich oppressing the poor. The rich have to take some responsibility for those less fortunate as part of their right to co-exist in society. A bit of a ramble going on here, hope it makes some sense!
Anita
I think it is important for individuals to:
1. be as honest as possible.
2. be caring and considerate of others.
3. be able to make decisions.
4. be able to say "NO" (and yes!)
5. know their voice and their own opinions.
6. be able to earn from others, including their children.
7. be more carefree in life, and realize we are individuals who have something to express, and other peoples expressions are not there to be taken personally by others who don’t feel the same way.
8. learn to reduce, re-use and recycle in whatever way you are comfortable doing it.
9. Meet your neighbors when you move into a new area.
10. Welcome new people when they arrive in your neighborhood.
11. if possible, choose a place of living close to your daily routines, ie, work, play, errands, whatever
12. embrace new things that intrigue you.
13. check out your local parks & rec. or community centers for something that grabs your attention and become a part of it.
I think it is important for a community: (or people within the community to)
1. Learn to live in their environment comfortably and economically & ecologically. For example, if you feel you need green grass year round make it beneficial to yourself and your neighbors. Grow edibles, or have grass available for the community to use. Plant in a different way to encourage the use of less water.
2. use the outlets you have to improve things for your community. Through work or other organizations. A lot of times these places are willing to work together and for each other.
3. carpool to work….often times the place of business will compensate you for making the effort to carpool!
4. Value the small businesses in your area. Use them and support them. They are working-peoples, like you and me. (on this note, if there is something you absolutely love and travel to buy or find - let your local businesses know what you are looking for and often times they will find the product and supply it for you - this aides them in sales and you in time)
5. BE VOCAL, BUY LOCAL!
Jen W
A community should provide a nourturing and safe environment for its members to thrive in.
Members of the community should feel personally responsible for the growth and improvement of the community.
Tawnya
I think it's important that people actively practice random acts of kindness. Be it holding a door open, watching our neighbor's house while they are on vacation, allowing someone with one item to cut in front of us at the grocery store, or any other gesture that shows we recognize and value the people around us. These small kindnesses make a difference in how we view our community.
Sandy
I think it's important that the person is positive, looks at things as if the glass is half full NOT half empty. Someone who looks at things as there's ALWAYS something good to come out of everything. (i.e. a lesson learned or a change in life from something happening). There's a lesson to be learned in EVERYTHING...YOU decide how that lesson will effect your life.
Sara
I think its important for people in a community to be self motivated to better themselves and the world around them. Giving someone everything they need only helps for a very short time. Everyone should also have basic compassion and kindness for each other. Respect goes a long way as well. Having personal boundaries and respecting other's boundaries is important too. I believe each person knowing they a valuable member and loved for who they are and what they can do helps to lift the whole group. Self esteem and self respect raises the bar for the whole community and can change the world.
Sylvia
I see an ideal community being one of peace and enlightenment. Where diversity is valued and appreciated, as well as the things people have in common. Where the common good has the same value as individual well-being. I see there being no need for money, because everyone does what it is they love to do, and happily shares it with those around them. I see abounding love and appreciation for all things beautiful, both natural and man-made -- there is no corner left littered or polluted; architecture is pursued as an art form and every building wonderfully and uniquely shows it; people wear clothing and decorate their lives in ways which personally uplift them, and shine their personal light out to the world- never in a way to please someone else. Children happily go to school, where they get to learn about whatever it is that interests them; teachers are only there to gently guide them in a positive direction and keep them motivated, and they too are doing their job because they love to do it. Science and technology make incredible advances almost daily, because people are pursuing those areas with passion, and not for a paycheck. Churches are places for spiritual enlightenment, truth, and upliftment -- no fear involved, for everyone will live their lives enlightened, knowing that the spiritual truth which underlies all religions is the same, and eliminates all fear like light in a shadow. People are always supportive of whatever it is that makes others happy, even if it does not go in line with their personal beliefs and values. Everyone's uniqueness is loved and celebrated, because we all know that the most important part of ourselves we all have in common -- that underlying awareness which gives us life, and life is something to play with and enjoy and pursue with passionate curiosity.
I think values for individuals and communities should be parallel. For example: be proactive rather than reactive; learn that open-door communication, now matter how difficult to engage in, enables conflict resolution much better than festering anger and mis-placed blame.
Objectivity and diplomacy reign - no matter what, attempt daily to remember that it is better to find the equilibrium in situations that have the ability to get out of control due to closed-mindedness and/or the one-sided nature of certain politics.
Most importantly, a love for life, humanity, and nature - above all else - can and will keep us working together to the betterment of the world. I like to call it logical idealism.
Heather
Ok, so I'm going to change the format of this a bit......all of the suggestions made by yourself and your respondees are excellent, however, I would ask, do they have anything in common? Is their a common root that one could tackle to ensure that all of the above is realized?
I recently read an excellent book (that I recommend everyone read at least once) by Erich Fromm called "The Art of Loving". In it he suggests that in this society the majority of us make the erronous assumption that love comes easy- that all it takes is the right object to direct that love to. However, as the title implies, Fromm argues that love is more of an art, something one has to develop the capability to do, rather than an inherent skill. Viewing love this way helps you see that love is an orientation towards the world as a whole, rather than the prescribed set of behaviors exhibited with someone who is of equal or better market value to yourself (goes back to directing love at the right object). In his words, "if you are able to say 'I love you' to someone, you must also be able to say, I love in you everyone, I love through the world, I love in you, also myself." Now, this is not to say that there are not various types of love that are dependent on the object (familial, erotic, friendship, brotherly, etc), but that there is a baseline ability that should be constantly developed and displayed.
So, what does this little tidbit have to do with the values of a community?
If love is a skill, an art, an ability, than one must be constantly exhibiting, practicing, and perfecting it. The baseline ability is "brotherly love" or the love you extend to the stranger on the street, the neighbor, etc. I think, like the Beatles, that all we need is love- but I also think we have to teach people how to develop the capability to do that. This is where some of your other values come into play- specifically respect, honesty, sympathy, courage, etc. Truly loving someone involves all of these things- and creates all of these things. However, in order to implement all of these values we need a community that can provide its citizens with the right tools, resources, and emotional support to allow its citizens to live up to their full potential. That should be our number one goal- what can we provide to others and each other that will allow our best selves to flourish- that will make us more caring, compassionate, and productive?
Tricia
That values that make a good person are selflessness, sincerity, honesty, maybe a wee bit of craziness, and overall just a good heart (or brain as the case may be). I think that the values that make a person "good" really depends on the person at hand. As each person is a unique individual there may certainly be different values that each person has that make them good, or certain values that they believe make a person inherently good (or a community). What it comes down to, I like to believe, is that a good person will go out of there way, no matter what the cost, to do something for another being. It is those people that "pay it forward" per ce that really resonate within a community, as well they are just good people. They seek no repayment or glorification for their actions.
The same can easily be said about a community. Within a community, the values which make it good, are simply the same. Those that make up the community should have those qualities... however, on a community level the effect is and should be much larger. With the combination of so many unique values and good people, the community itself should thrive off of this and ideally culminate a "society" of good people.
I personally like to think the best, be optimistic, and again.. believe the best in people. I think this also allows those personal values which make someone and a community "good" to come forth.
Kristin
i believe a person should learn to not regret their past. the mistakes or choices made might've been stupid at the time but without them you wouldn't be who you are today. you grow up through those trials.
i believe a person should learn to be content in silence. it gives you the time to reflect on yourself. it allows you to analyze if you're happy with what you are doing.
i believe a person should read and by that i mean not just magazines. go to your public library and find a book that interests you. then sit down and read. it can be the simplest, silliest one ever but it will allow you to have an engaging conversation with someone later.
i believe a person should learn to find what makes them truely happy. once you find that then go pursue it with everything you got. don't let anyone or anything distract you from enjoying it.
Ryan
For an individual:
I think it's important to keep enough room/space in your life to do the things you enjoy doing & want to do. Managing life so it doesn't become overwhelming.
I think it's important for a person not to ever take themselves so seriously that they aren't able to let their hair down, or push the edge of possibly looking foolish.
I think it's important that a person never lets their phobias and fears get in the way of their important goals and accomplishing the things they want to do.
I think it's important that a person finds the time to laugh or have a little joviality in their life every day, if they can swing it.
I think it's important that a person is not wasteful. They use what they need, not what they want, and that they only use that, and find the best most efficient way to get what they need.
I think it's important that a person never stops learning and growing.
I think it's important that a person is willing to make a complete ass of themselves, because that means they are pushing their limits into new worlds, and they are willing to fall.
I think it's important that an individual has a diverse base of activities in their life, and is constantly looking for new and different experiences to.
For a community:
I think it's important that people learn to work together regardless of their differences in an effort to secure the things they actually agree upon.
I think it's important that communities form around the most diverse collection of people possible, so that all individuals are edified by the different ideas.
I think it's important for a community to collectively shoulder similar burdens, so that individuals do not do everything.
I think it is important that a community does not grow complacent or too comfortable, but is always progressing or challenging itself.
I think it's important that strangers have FUN together as often as possible, and be open to that experience with other strangers.
A couple of weeks ago, I asked my friends to tell me what mattered to them, what they valued…or more specifically, what they thought an ideal community and an ideal individual was.
I got quite a few rather awesome responses, and I wanted to share them all with, well, everybody.
But I wanted to do more than that. I am currently writing a rather significant piece, and I need all the ideas I can get.
So comment away and tell me what YOU care about. Over the next couple weeks I am preparing a rather significant little treatise that will synthesize many of the ideas that YOU ALL give me. So besides sharing your ideas with everyone else, you are also helping me a lot.
Here are what people wrote:
JOE K
For an individual:
1. I think it's important that people have standards for themselves, that they value independence, discipline, integrity, and growth and that they push themselves to live those values.
2. I think individuals should care about local events, and should stay informed about and participate in local politics and cultural life.
3. I think individuals should make an effort to know and help the people living around them.
For a community:
1. I think communities should value freedom and rigorously defend the autonomy of their members whenever it is possible to do so.
2. I think communities should understand their role in the larger world, and be as committed to good citizenship in the world around them as their individual members are to citizenship in the community.
3. I think communities should understand the importance of creating aesthetic and cultural fixtures that community members can be proud of.
Karen H
It's important that an individual recognizes his/her strengths and works to magnify and use them. This also fits into what is important for a community, where the members value others' strengths because they lack them, realizing that only when they come together can they really get things done in meaningful ways.
It's important for both individuals and the community to realize that change is inherent to existence. Things will never remain the same over time. Instead of resisting it, we must acknowledge it, work with it, and have fun with it.
Jen R
Well here are the individual values that you didn't mention that are important to me:
1. Never do anything you wouldn't want done to you, or that you wouldn't be proud of.
2. Love uninhibited, and if you get hurt, get back up and do it again.
3. Look inside FIRST for love, trust, and peace. Only then can you find it outside yourself.
4. Do all the things you want to do "someday" now. Realize that life is short.
5. NEVER sell yourself short, always believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
And you pretty well covered the community, but I have two more:
1. Do your part preferably collectively to keep your community clean.
2. It starts at home: Teach your children right from wrong, and how to keep their minds and hearts open.
Sarah McD
values for a community:
1. active and engaged with each other, willing to establish relationships
2. a sense of one-ness, but not exclusive to new members
3. active concern in maintaining the general welfare of the community, an interest in improving it
4. respect for all members
values for individuals (you already took most of mine):
1. open-minded-ness
2. sense of humor
3. health (physical wellbeing as well as psychological)
4. ability and willingness to empathise and understand the needs of others
5. active and engaged in life, the world
Diane S
Personal:
1. I think it's important to laugh at yourself.
2. I think it's important to play.
3. I think it's important to do things that are outside of your comfort zone.
4. I think it's important to be kind.
5. I think it's important to be positive when others need it, even if you don't feel it.
6. I think it's important to trust others & to be honest.
7. I think it's important to be happy with and without other people.
8. I think it's important to know your own opinions & to question them.
9. I think it's important to read.
10. I think it's important to do things for others...
Communal:
1. I think it's important to take into account where people fit, what they are good at, what they prefer.
2. I think it's important to be inclusive, loving, accepting.
3. I think it's important to be fun.
4. I think it's important to be supportive.
5. I think it's important to educate.
6. I think it's important to discuss, argue, converse.
7. I think it's important to get outside.
8. I think it's important to nourishing.
Mark
I think people should hold themselves accountable in life. I think that theyre needs to be more love and less hate. I think a community should promote this. I think that the media should focus on these moments. Their not rare but some people believe kindness is. A community should be able to speak directly to its leader, regardless of the risk to his life. People shouldn't kill people, unless they are in imminent danger. When disputes can't be settled in words they should be settled in fists. If two communities disagree, then a sword fight is appropriate.
Shawna
I think it's important that individuals never judge what they don't understand. Living by this principle some may try to understand others so that perhaps they can judge them. Not only will they hopefully find some common ground with a complete stranger, they will also realize that you never truely understand anyone, and therfore you can never truely judge anyone.
I think it is important that an individual knows themself. Not only their strengths, but their weaknesses as well. To focus on one aspect of your personality is to create an imbalance within yourself. Embrace every part of you that makes you who you are, and if you see something that you don't like, change it. Only you have the power to better yourself.
Building on my previous thought...I think it is important that an individual realizes that everyone is flawed, and that really flaws are like beauty...it's all perspective. Actually the whole world is perspective, and honestly no one is right in how they see it because they can't see it all. Really that ties in with my first thought too lol.
Reid
I think that the military-industrial complex is as strong now as it was in 1968 but, for some frightful reason, people have stopped talking about it; I am enchanted and utterly confused by women; I like questioning gender roles; I think that religion is the most complex and influential fairy tale ever conceived; I like brownies more than just about any other thing you put in the oven, and I only want one if it doesn't have nuts; I think that people go about their lives much too quickly; I really like situations where you stop whatever you're doing and realize that you can't actually hear...anything at all; I think smells are some of the very best memories; I think that everybody is really interesting in some way; I have a problem with bossy people who aren't very smart; i want to build a split-rail fence some day; I like things that are different; I do not presume that I have much of life really figured out, and this does not trouble me; I expect that I have flaws I can't recognize; I wish I could sing; I think about sex more than our culture says I should; I don't believe in god but I still hope he likes me; i should answer "I'm me." i like my friends, i like making people happy, i like sitting in the sun and thinking abstract thoughts, i like in-jokes, i like watching soccer, i like clouds, i like old movies, i like drinking beer and red wine, I'd die without my iPod, i like the smell of a freshly laundered towel, i've only cried three times in the last 5 years and i'm OK with that, i like waking up next to someone, i like bookstores and libraries, i like wikipedia, i like driving fast and turning, i enjoy hats, i love walking in the woods and swimming, i think nothing smells better than a girl's hair, i think that its ridiculous that the united states doesn't have socialized medicine, i like craftsman architecture, i like Frisbees.
I guess my personal philosophy could be described as situational, non-religious and semi-pragmatic. I like some of Ayn Rand's ideas but they go way out there sometimes. That's the problem with philosophy, no matter how much "sense" any of them make...they really only make complete sense to whoever came up with them (because how can you really understand something thought of by another brain). The only kind of philosophical concept that i can claim to understand is love...that's only because I've experienced it. That's not to say that i can explain love, just that i know what it is.
I also think that being weird is important. Not the kind of weird when it is obvious that you're just doing something to make people freak out...but the kind of thing where you do something and it incidentally weirds people out. That's true weirdness everything else is just a pose.
I've decided that its impossible to get "everything" out of life...because in order to get "everything" out of something you have to spend time/effort thinking about it. this in turn, means that while you are thinking about it you are not doing something else in a completely fully engaged way. it all involves a trade off. kind of a catch-22.
Martin
I agree with all of your points regarding how an individual should approach life and I always encourage others to reach out and explore opportunities - Its a surprise and constant disappointment to me just how many individuals there are who are happy to stick within narrow, safe parameters and who have given up on being curious. I come across many individuals who live within a cocoon of TV soap operas - cheap nasty bright pink magazines about so-called celebrity - "reality TV" - computer games - material possession and fear and ignorance. Its important to care about other people and to try to help them. Its also important to care in the right way, and sometimes "tough love" is the right way. My personal view on climate change is that the whole thing has been taken over by politicians and big business to the extent that the truth is now clouded and shrouded in myth. Not all Scientists are convinced that man is having as big an influence as is commonly believed. Yes, we should conserve and preserve our world, but global warming and cooling is a process of nature. Nature is bigger than man, lets not lose sight of that. The oil industry has huge influence and has caused many of the continuing problems that man is accused of in order to allow it to continue to make money. They will have suppressed progress in order to maintain the status quo. Politicians just pick up on the issue so that they will get elected. Its important to recognize when you are wrong and where appropriate to apologize and try to put it right. So, listening to others is a very important skill. Compromise is an important factor within a community, as is taking on responsibility for one's actions. Agreeing to disagree sometimes allows the community to make progress - a live and let live policy can work . Violence never solved anything but where it is perpetrated by an individual or group the community may have to use appropriate force to maintain law and order. the community has to ensure that all of its members are educated in life and "survival" skills the community needs to provide care and support for the less fortunate without allowing the "freeloaders" to just take and not give anything back Diversity makes life interesting and I have no problem with a rich person spending their money on a nice car if they can afford it. If they have used their skill and education to attain their situation then they have a right to express that. I also have no problem with a poor person living a simple and uncomplicated life. However I do object to the rich oppressing the poor. The rich have to take some responsibility for those less fortunate as part of their right to co-exist in society. A bit of a ramble going on here, hope it makes some sense!
Anita
I think it is important for individuals to:
1. be as honest as possible.
2. be caring and considerate of others.
3. be able to make decisions.
4. be able to say "NO" (and yes!)
5. know their voice and their own opinions.
6. be able to earn from others, including their children.
7. be more carefree in life, and realize we are individuals who have something to express, and other peoples expressions are not there to be taken personally by others who don’t feel the same way.
8. learn to reduce, re-use and recycle in whatever way you are comfortable doing it.
9. Meet your neighbors when you move into a new area.
10. Welcome new people when they arrive in your neighborhood.
11. if possible, choose a place of living close to your daily routines, ie, work, play, errands, whatever
12. embrace new things that intrigue you.
13. check out your local parks & rec. or community centers for something that grabs your attention and become a part of it.
I think it is important for a community: (or people within the community to)
1. Learn to live in their environment comfortably and economically & ecologically. For example, if you feel you need green grass year round make it beneficial to yourself and your neighbors. Grow edibles, or have grass available for the community to use. Plant in a different way to encourage the use of less water.
2. use the outlets you have to improve things for your community. Through work or other organizations. A lot of times these places are willing to work together and for each other.
3. carpool to work….often times the place of business will compensate you for making the effort to carpool!
4. Value the small businesses in your area. Use them and support them. They are working-peoples, like you and me. (on this note, if there is something you absolutely love and travel to buy or find - let your local businesses know what you are looking for and often times they will find the product and supply it for you - this aides them in sales and you in time)
5. BE VOCAL, BUY LOCAL!
Jen W
A community should provide a nourturing and safe environment for its members to thrive in.
Members of the community should feel personally responsible for the growth and improvement of the community.
Tawnya
I think it's important that people actively practice random acts of kindness. Be it holding a door open, watching our neighbor's house while they are on vacation, allowing someone with one item to cut in front of us at the grocery store, or any other gesture that shows we recognize and value the people around us. These small kindnesses make a difference in how we view our community.
Sandy
I think it's important that the person is positive, looks at things as if the glass is half full NOT half empty. Someone who looks at things as there's ALWAYS something good to come out of everything. (i.e. a lesson learned or a change in life from something happening). There's a lesson to be learned in EVERYTHING...YOU decide how that lesson will effect your life.
Sara
I think its important for people in a community to be self motivated to better themselves and the world around them. Giving someone everything they need only helps for a very short time. Everyone should also have basic compassion and kindness for each other. Respect goes a long way as well. Having personal boundaries and respecting other's boundaries is important too. I believe each person knowing they a valuable member and loved for who they are and what they can do helps to lift the whole group. Self esteem and self respect raises the bar for the whole community and can change the world.
Sylvia
I see an ideal community being one of peace and enlightenment. Where diversity is valued and appreciated, as well as the things people have in common. Where the common good has the same value as individual well-being. I see there being no need for money, because everyone does what it is they love to do, and happily shares it with those around them. I see abounding love and appreciation for all things beautiful, both natural and man-made -- there is no corner left littered or polluted; architecture is pursued as an art form and every building wonderfully and uniquely shows it; people wear clothing and decorate their lives in ways which personally uplift them, and shine their personal light out to the world- never in a way to please someone else. Children happily go to school, where they get to learn about whatever it is that interests them; teachers are only there to gently guide them in a positive direction and keep them motivated, and they too are doing their job because they love to do it. Science and technology make incredible advances almost daily, because people are pursuing those areas with passion, and not for a paycheck. Churches are places for spiritual enlightenment, truth, and upliftment -- no fear involved, for everyone will live their lives enlightened, knowing that the spiritual truth which underlies all religions is the same, and eliminates all fear like light in a shadow. People are always supportive of whatever it is that makes others happy, even if it does not go in line with their personal beliefs and values. Everyone's uniqueness is loved and celebrated, because we all know that the most important part of ourselves we all have in common -- that underlying awareness which gives us life, and life is something to play with and enjoy and pursue with passionate curiosity.
I think values for individuals and communities should be parallel. For example: be proactive rather than reactive; learn that open-door communication, now matter how difficult to engage in, enables conflict resolution much better than festering anger and mis-placed blame.
Objectivity and diplomacy reign - no matter what, attempt daily to remember that it is better to find the equilibrium in situations that have the ability to get out of control due to closed-mindedness and/or the one-sided nature of certain politics.
Most importantly, a love for life, humanity, and nature - above all else - can and will keep us working together to the betterment of the world. I like to call it logical idealism.
Heather
Ok, so I'm going to change the format of this a bit......all of the suggestions made by yourself and your respondees are excellent, however, I would ask, do they have anything in common? Is their a common root that one could tackle to ensure that all of the above is realized?
I recently read an excellent book (that I recommend everyone read at least once) by Erich Fromm called "The Art of Loving". In it he suggests that in this society the majority of us make the erronous assumption that love comes easy- that all it takes is the right object to direct that love to. However, as the title implies, Fromm argues that love is more of an art, something one has to develop the capability to do, rather than an inherent skill. Viewing love this way helps you see that love is an orientation towards the world as a whole, rather than the prescribed set of behaviors exhibited with someone who is of equal or better market value to yourself (goes back to directing love at the right object). In his words, "if you are able to say 'I love you' to someone, you must also be able to say, I love in you everyone, I love through the world, I love in you, also myself." Now, this is not to say that there are not various types of love that are dependent on the object (familial, erotic, friendship, brotherly, etc), but that there is a baseline ability that should be constantly developed and displayed.
So, what does this little tidbit have to do with the values of a community?
If love is a skill, an art, an ability, than one must be constantly exhibiting, practicing, and perfecting it. The baseline ability is "brotherly love" or the love you extend to the stranger on the street, the neighbor, etc. I think, like the Beatles, that all we need is love- but I also think we have to teach people how to develop the capability to do that. This is where some of your other values come into play- specifically respect, honesty, sympathy, courage, etc. Truly loving someone involves all of these things- and creates all of these things. However, in order to implement all of these values we need a community that can provide its citizens with the right tools, resources, and emotional support to allow its citizens to live up to their full potential. That should be our number one goal- what can we provide to others and each other that will allow our best selves to flourish- that will make us more caring, compassionate, and productive?
Tricia
That values that make a good person are selflessness, sincerity, honesty, maybe a wee bit of craziness, and overall just a good heart (or brain as the case may be). I think that the values that make a person "good" really depends on the person at hand. As each person is a unique individual there may certainly be different values that each person has that make them good, or certain values that they believe make a person inherently good (or a community). What it comes down to, I like to believe, is that a good person will go out of there way, no matter what the cost, to do something for another being. It is those people that "pay it forward" per ce that really resonate within a community, as well they are just good people. They seek no repayment or glorification for their actions.
The same can easily be said about a community. Within a community, the values which make it good, are simply the same. Those that make up the community should have those qualities... however, on a community level the effect is and should be much larger. With the combination of so many unique values and good people, the community itself should thrive off of this and ideally culminate a "society" of good people.
I personally like to think the best, be optimistic, and again.. believe the best in people. I think this also allows those personal values which make someone and a community "good" to come forth.
Kristin
i believe a person should learn to not regret their past. the mistakes or choices made might've been stupid at the time but without them you wouldn't be who you are today. you grow up through those trials.
i believe a person should learn to be content in silence. it gives you the time to reflect on yourself. it allows you to analyze if you're happy with what you are doing.
i believe a person should read and by that i mean not just magazines. go to your public library and find a book that interests you. then sit down and read. it can be the simplest, silliest one ever but it will allow you to have an engaging conversation with someone later.
i believe a person should learn to find what makes them truely happy. once you find that then go pursue it with everything you got. don't let anyone or anything distract you from enjoying it.
Ryan
For an individual:
I think it's important to keep enough room/space in your life to do the things you enjoy doing & want to do. Managing life so it doesn't become overwhelming.
I think it's important for a person not to ever take themselves so seriously that they aren't able to let their hair down, or push the edge of possibly looking foolish.
I think it's important that a person never lets their phobias and fears get in the way of their important goals and accomplishing the things they want to do.
I think it's important that a person finds the time to laugh or have a little joviality in their life every day, if they can swing it.
I think it's important that a person is not wasteful. They use what they need, not what they want, and that they only use that, and find the best most efficient way to get what they need.
I think it's important that a person never stops learning and growing.
I think it's important that a person is willing to make a complete ass of themselves, because that means they are pushing their limits into new worlds, and they are willing to fall.
I think it's important that an individual has a diverse base of activities in their life, and is constantly looking for new and different experiences to.
For a community:
I think it's important that people learn to work together regardless of their differences in an effort to secure the things they actually agree upon.
I think it's important that communities form around the most diverse collection of people possible, so that all individuals are edified by the different ideas.
I think it's important for a community to collectively shoulder similar burdens, so that individuals do not do everything.
I think it is important that a community does not grow complacent or too comfortable, but is always progressing or challenging itself.
I think it's important that strangers have FUN together as often as possible, and be open to that experience with other strangers.