Free the Children
"Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network."
This quote was taken from the 'Free the Children' website homepage. I would like you to familiarize yourself with Craig and Marc Kielburger, their phenomenal organization, and the many incredible projects they have done and are doing. Please visit their website - I have created a link to the left. After browsing and reading, please share in your comment something you read that amazed you, impressed you, or moved you!
Would you like to get involved? How do you feel we could do this?
As always, I look forward to hearing your views!
posted by Ms Watt @ 7:47 PM
78 Comments:
great site
OMG....this sounds so awesome...I barely skimmed through the website though cuz I have an incredibly large amount of homework...but I just loved the part where it says it makes youth know that the're not powerless and can cahnge the world...I can't wait to see how they've affected different lives in a positive way...it'll make me so happy...
*change-spelling mistake!
OMG....THE VOW SILENCE IS SOOOOOO COOL...WE MUST TRY IT.....even though it's in March....WE CAN DO IT EARLIER....uh...we'll communicate...by...writing?! Wait...we can make another vow in favour of poor children....like FASTING!!!!! OH YEAH...DID U KNOW THAT THERE'S THIS FAST OF SILENCE IN MY RELIGION?!?! IT'S COMPLETELY OPTIONAL HOWEVER!
2 many capitals...sorry!
Free the Children is famous...I did an image search on it...Oh..I just loved it with real passion...just from hearing it's name and what's about! =:)
That is an alsome site, and I wish we could take some action, which will make the world a better place for them, and for us.
Like the saying: No one can be perfectly happy until all are happy.
excactly! That's excactly how I feel! Everyone should feel that way-don't u think?
Ya, I totally agree to! Just by looking at the pictures of all the happy children in africa has so much power. It's so unfair that we have so much, but they have so little. They would be happy with just enough food to fill there stomachs, of just be able to go to school, while here we're always wanting more, more, more! There's actually a club starting at my school that's a Free the Children Club.
Also, UNICEF. They're not doing collection boxes this year, are they??? Does anyone know why?
UNICEF is doing a 'Click or Treat' for Unicef campaign this year where you can raise money during the entire month of October for children in Africa. You can read about it on their website - just search UNICEF and you'll get much more information about this year's changes to the Hallowe'en collections. It's a great organization - I hope you'll all support it! Why don't we make a collection in class this week?? Both classes!! We can collect, then I'll make a group donation while you're there!
Indeed wonderful what people are doing, aye? And what we- anyone- can do.
Here's a little thing to remember- when I mention "third world country," what do you invision? Then, tell me, how do you feel about what you see? Do you want to go and help out? If so, why? All will be revealed later on why I am asking this. Just answer the question, watch, and wait.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
When I think of third world country, I think of poor people working hard to make money, I think of the children who had to work before they graduated because the family doesn't have enough money to support them. But I did not invision this, I saw this with my own eyes, I heard this from my grandparents, because I grew up in a third world country. Now that I heard of Free the Children program, I really want to help out, because I'm helping my own world and giving the next generation a better future.
Helping thir world countries makes me feel better-it makes me feel less guilty-more happy. I think some of it's my fault that others don't hav a life as awesom as mine. I feel ashamed sometimes. Helping makes me feel calmer. Seeing others suffer is not something that I'm able to tolterate at all.
Aha! You said what I was trying to get at, sapphire_turqoise! Now, I'm not trying to put you down, or anyone, but there's something that I stumbled upon one day that I think needs to be said.
Too often we take on this guilt trip when we think of "third-world country." This is what motivates us to help them. But, to be blunt, that isn't the right attitude. Help- charity- is a sacrifice- it is a willingness of your expense for the benefit of others. If guilt is a motivation, it isn't open help. It's doing something so WE will feel better. That's not the right way of doing this. Everyone in the world should help others, but freely, openly, not because they want to be unburdened. The whole point of charity organizations is to take your time, your money and give it all away for others. Too often we fool ourselves with the wrong motivation. I would rather people not commit to charity if they do not have the proper heart to it. Again, sapphire_turqoise, I do not- do not- want to put you or anyone else down, after all, I also had the wrong attitude for the longest time. I just want to be sure was is done is done in the proper fashion.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
Q Squared, that was a really heartfelt testimony. Thank You.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
Denizens of McQ, just wanted to add one more thing to my shpiel. It's not you- your SPECIFIC fault that others suffer. It's the generations before you. It just means we have to clean it up. (The exception to this rule is purchasing certain goods, which at great disgust is sometimes too difficult to avoid. I just hate it.) And remember, your life as good as it seems probably falls short of what it should be. We have all this negative energy from various media outlets in our "developed" community. But over in third world country, kids are tenfold smarter and happier- but they have less. All they need is what is essentially proper- food, medice. Shelter, schooling. They don't need electronics or toys or gadgets. It's not going to help them develop. Think of how your favorite TV show has enriched your life... not much, has it? In fact, it's distracting. If it wasn't abused, it wold have purpose. But so much in our "wonderful" lives is pure garbage, and that's exactly what we don't need to give to the suffering.
Exhausted- but everso Rocking On,
Postman Craig
P.S. Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour! Boohyah! Sleep in an hour!
I dobn't want to excactly help others to free myslef from guilt-I love the feeling that u get from helping others, I love seeing them smile-but I wanted to ask you something: Don't u ever feel rotten when you're sleeping ever so comfortably on the softest pillow and warmest balnkt when u know others are not?! I know-helping others in order to free yourself of guilt-is a very selfish beheiviour. But not really. I mean...some people don't even feel guilty or upset the least bit, AND don't help, beacuse they simply don't care! (these actually people exist!) Also, the guilt that I feel is mixed with pity-but you're right that many of them are happier than us-but many of them aren't. We should remember that. I think it's okay to feel guilty about what happens in the world. How can u stop urself from feeling guilty? It's like saying: Don't be sad-don't cry. Guiltiness is a natural feeling-it brings good things with itself. It is part of being human, and it should be rid of by doing some good deed. It sounds selfish-to do something good to indeed help yourself-and it is quite selfish. But that's how many humans are. It's part of us. I always wonder-isn't one a fake if they only obey God(who I beleive in,) so you go to Heavan and not Hell?! Well...I think God gave us some selfish instincs so we could help ourselves-protect ourselves-and help others. BUT, you are very right-we should help others just for the sake of the sacrifice and help-but I also think it's okay to help so u yourself would feel better. Afterall, what is wrong with wanting others to be happier than you? What is wrong with not being able to ever be completely joyous when you know people are starving to death? I think that the "selfishness" or "guilt" is also like a kind of kindness-it links you with the soul of many others-it gives you a feeling of responsibilty over them-like if your little sister gets lost in the mall, it's u who gets gulty, because it was ur responsibility.
The getting rid of the guilt is in fact fulfilling something that u feel u r responsible for. Why do u think u are responsible? Because u love all people-u want all to be happy-happier than u-so u try to accomplish that by helping them. It's really so they'll be happy, and not u, yourself. It is out of pure love-you want to do it. The guilt is mixed with it, if u don't fulfill the responsibility. Both sides of the story get happier-you, and the people u help. The big question is:who gets happier? That is were one needs to make sure that they don't give a penny to boast or satisfy themselves, but to actually make another person smile from the bottom of their heart. That you too, would smile, simply because you care about the person and like or want them to smile. Is that selfish? No. It'd be selfish if you wanted them to cry, and yourself to laugh all day long. It'd be much more selfish to just eat all you want with no trace of guilt, while others starve to death.
P.S.Our lives aren't pure garbage-I watch Iranian stuff on my satellite and none of them are junk.(well, most, anyhow)Nobody's life is PURE garbage. That's impossible!
P.P.S. Thankx postman craig for your comments-very deep and lots of food for thought-like always
P.P.P.S.I thank u q squared for ur comment as well.
Uh....I think that's way too long!
wow, that's a really great site... we still have those wells in our classroom from last year. we should put them by the pizza so that every1 has a chance 2 donate. i should make links on my wiki to sites like that. sapphire_turquoise, insead of using CAPS, use italics to do so, type < i > (but w/out the spaces between the "<" and the "i" and the ">") and then write what u want in italics, and then end it w/ < / i > (but w/out spaces beween the characters again) you can do the samething with bold, only subsitute the "i" with a "b".
anyway, can't wait 4 tuesday, we should do another simulation activity, like last years, w/ negotiation. & we should do another flash lesson, w/ buttons and stuff like that.
c u on 2sday,
|/\|1|<1|*3|)14
(wikipedia in 1337)
< i > testing! < i >
LOL...I'LL TRY THAT AGAIN...
Testing!
THANK YOU!!!!
Oh...I just can't wait till tuesday...oh and I like the making donations idea....
great site. it's an incredible organization with great intentions.
Wow...That's awful what those kids have to go through! It really makes you appreciate your life, but as sapphire_turquoise said, you also feel alittle guilty. Why is it me sitting here in this nice seat, typing away on a computer, and not them? I think that the company owners really take advantage of them.
I really like the donation idea! I am DEFINETLY going to bring a donation!
I think what Craig Kielburger did was pretty brave. Some of us are too scared to make a change, or step out of our "safety zone." But really, what are we scared about? Making the world a better place??
i agree anyhting we can do to help will make all the difference.
i agree anyhting we can do to help will make all the difference.
Yes...that's very nice statement that can be easily turned to reality.
I hope we will get to do something as a(or more) class(es) to help, or in other words, make this world a better place to live in. It's funny what postman craig said about the guilt as motivation but not real help. I agree, but we must keep in mind that guilt is better than having felt nothing at all. And about how the poorer kids are smarter, that proved true in many researches. I think it's because the poor children have more motivation from their present states and they have less things to waste their time on.
I do not belive that it's bad to have guilt-I beleive that guilt and help are in fact joined and linked together. (read my long comment)and yes, I agree that some poor kids are smarter than normal people. You can't really say all-T.V. does make many people dumber. I hav a great passion for poor children-I beleive that they're very brave and strong-braver than me.
We really should do something as class.
Also...the guilt kind of depends on how and what kind it is. It should be out of love-not relieving yourself from some chore.
It really feel sorry for all the children. It isn't their fault that they were born into a poor family in africa. I mean really! It makes you so mad. I know that a little act can go a long way, but I still wish that I was a giant and could take a whole bunch of money from North America, and put it in Africa.
I also remember last year in the engineers without boarders similation...there is debate about whether the money should just be given to the country to distribute and spend, or have missionaries decide what to do with it. Personally, I think a happy medium would be best. Missionaries advise the who ever is given the money so the counry has same pride and doesn't feel like we treat them like everybody is clueless !
I think that it'd be really cool to get involved in an organization like that, even if like a couple schools got envolved I mean with a big school like mine, it'd be awesome!!
REMINDER TO ALL WEDNESDAY STUDENTS THAT THIS WEEK IS WACKY HAIR DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-that was just to get your attention
I enjoy all of your comments a lot! You share very common intersts with me-all of u that come to Mc'Quarrie-even if it means that we arguel like crazy sometimes! Keep it up-we can all change the sucky stuff that's going on in the world!
Read my post again. I do not believe I said EVERYTHING we do is garbage. Also remember this is a generalized comment about the Western World in general. I did not also stae that ALL television is unfit (watch the Discover Channel!) However, so much of it is becaust the technology is abused for negative messages. Ther are still things to be learnt, liek the U.S.'s new stealth submarine projects or the tombs found 42 miles from King Tut's.
Correction: Not just some poor kids are smarter. When given the opportunity, a whole whack of 'em are. I know this from talking to perhaps too many missionaries (if possible.)
Guilt is appropriate when it occurs in a situation that you did have responsibility to do an action adn you did not. Guilt is not appropriate in a situation that is logical, just and wise to do, but not required. It is in the best intrest to help others, but there is no bread and butter statement in society to do so (non-religious wise.) Keep in mind, I do say it is what is best.
I will disagree with Sapphire_Turqouise on God giving us selfishness. Is it not a negative attribute? It is therefore caused by sin entering the world. However, God can use bad things for His Glory by twisting them into situations that have right consiquences in the long run. I hope you know what I mean; if not, tell me! I would also disagree with your statement o it being a "part of who we are." Indeed so, put to me it sounds like you are matter of factly proclaiming it, as it is something that we jsut live with. No! We can choose to not be selfish. I t is hard, but we MUST because it is only logical and right. Yes, I said right. I can be as politcally incorrect as I want.
Personal satisfaction should be an outcome of good deeds, but not a motivation. Yoiu should feel good by having done so to others, but, as I said, you should not be trying to attain that goal.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
P.S. I'm sorry Tuesday class, but I don't think we'll be able to come in this week but next week. Bear with me on this one!
I think that one of the most amazing things is how the program developed form a group of 12 year old boys. When you look at your life, most 12 year old boys are too busy playing video games or being stupid (no offence:]) to really take time to be passionate about something. This organization shows that when someone, and it can be anyone, takes a firm opinion and belief and applies it, great things can happen!
I completely agree with u daram star.
Postman Craig: I do agree that a whole lot of poor children are smarter-I shouldn've used the word some. It's quite unfair of me. Many, many poor children are generally smarter than normal kids.
I don't think God gave us selfishness..it's hard for me to explain...but u shouldn't really look at it all that negatively. I mean...there can be different types of selfishness...grrr...it's 11:15 and my brain's no better than a garbage can filled with sticky pop cans. I really don't get it when u say helping others out of guilt is selfish! That sounds so illogical! I just don't call that selfish! I also can't help but think why isn't it me-the really unworthier and dumber one-that isn't in their shoes. It does seem very unfair.Also, a person could help and have personal satisfaction, AND have a motivation at the same time. Many times I don't feel guilty, becuase I know that I'm totally against them living like that, but I still really want to help them. Then, if I don't try to act my motivition out-than I feel guilty-like I've defeated myself, AND failed the children in need-because I know that I hav to help me-they expect me to help them-and I want to help them.
I'll explain everything else later...my eyes are like popping out of my red socketes...stress is eating me...I feel lucky that my worst problems are mainly from school and not life in general! Like...I don't worry about how I'll fill my stomach up the next day...
Don't be stressed over situations that you cannot control. You have no choice in the matter, because God does. We may never know why he chose you to be in the position you are, but he also gave you talent and gifts- and you can use those gifts for a purpose that is equitable. And again on the guilt... maybe I will add this (or simplify my statement) that, do not feel bad that you have it good. Rather, fell blessed and thankful that you have everything you need to survive, and then some. And because of your wealth and potential, use your material riches to give equality to those that are not as fortunate as you are, so no one can say one is richer than the other, because everyone has equal rights, proepr housing, food, clothing, and education, and thus peace of mind.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
By the Way, Sapphire_Turqoise, no post is ever to long.
I think of it this way: No one who ever accomplished anything great was ever of few words.
After all, every movement required a strong voice to be heard. And no prominent figure, whether good or bad, ever said little.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
I agree with u postman craig, we should not spend our lives being guilty, but should try to change things instead. I also agree with u on ur next comment-u are a very wise person.
About the whole guilt thing. I disagree with MOST OF YOU. Say there was no such thing as guilt thing in our world today. Just picture that for a couple of seconds. If there was no guilt in the world today, there would be no reason for anyone to give back to the world. I know me personally I give out of guilt and almsot selfishness. and that is how most people do it (I should say a large proportion of people today)
Not really called selfishness, general s, it's a good thing. There's nothing wrong with being guilty-IT MEANS YOU CARE!
We should really thing of getting involved...like donating money...
Before I get myself caught in this guilt conversation, I have some questions to ask: What is guilt? Why do people feel guilty? Can anyone be free of guilt?
One more question(especially to postman craig): What's the motvation if freed of guilt?
Good questions!!! Unfortunately I have no time to answer you at the moment...hopefully Postam Craig will.....I g2g study....too much homework...stress...ugh!
Hmm..... Can people be guilt free? To have guilt you have to care about whatever you did. I think that if you really have no heart and don't care in the slightest way, deep down inside or anything, I think you can be guilt free. I really hope no one's like that, hopefully they do have something way down deep.
i completely disagree with postman craig about the guilt thing. To me, if guilt can motivate people to do good, is it not a good thing? And if people don't feel bad about the bad in our world, how will we ever change it? I get about how he means we should do charity work for the benefit of others, not ourselves though, i just think that guilt is what causes us to strive for those benefits, although we can't go off and glorify ourselves over it.
"...do what is right because it is right..."
I agree with both of u, Craig, and Chick with brains, in several different ways. Both can work...be applied...
You can't really say one of them is wrong, they're two strong and nicely defended opinions which can be proven by reason...think philosophically...
Anyways...I investigated the siute more....so inspiring...they're so awesome!
What Postman Craig is pretty much simply a utopia in other words impossible. and if possible would not be a comfortable society to live in.
oops error: saying
uh....no. You can't say that...Postman himself probably helps from a different motivation but guilt. Also, what do you know of what happens inside one's head? You can't possibly 's happening in everyone's head! Also, nothing is impossible...careful..don't genaralize(i do that all the time!)
I actually see his opinion as quite wise and logical...although I see the guilt one very wise and logical too. They're both possibe(in my opinion.)
Agreed, but really what's going to be the motivation if not guilt? Is there any at all or undisbribable in words? I think there are no right or wrong in this matter, which make me think you are all right, but all wrong at the sametime.
You want others to feel happy even if you don't gain anything-that's a motivition.
But why do you want others to feel happy?
Should there really be a reason for love? Does everyone in the world have a reason for loving someone, something, or some place? Has it not happened before when someone became to love an evil nasty person for no reason at all, or when someone loves a dirty smelly place? Does love involve selfishness? Perhaps it depends. Is it selfish to want others to smile even if you won't be sure they'll smile after you help them, but you help them anyways? Is guilt neccessarily a selfish feeling? Can't anyone help others just for the sake of their passion and concern for them? Is getting releived of guilt even considered selfish? It depends. It really does. Some things that we humans do really don't have a reason behind them-or if they do, we can't identify them. The idea of doing them comes from really deep within you, from your soul sometimes-wether it's wrong, or right.
Well, everything has a reason, and that reason, at the end, always comes to the wish of survival. Yes there is a reason for love, (whether you call it a reasosn or not doesn't matter). The reason is that you love others in the hope of others love you.
Sorry I've been off for so long... technical difficulties, but all for the better, as look at the discussion generated within.
According to my computer's dictionary, guilt is the thought that one has doen something wrong or, FAILED IN OBLIGATION. One can feel guilty when doing good deeds if they feel as if they haven't done good enough. This will generally accumulate, as one always thinks they never can be good enough. Of course, one also feels guilty if one has commited a crime or done something wrong- in a sense, you feel guilty- you feel like you have done wrong in the fact that you think you are not the best person in the world.
In truth, just like one can and will always think of wrong things to do, one can always feel guilt, ike after you stole that cookie from the cookie jar when you were 4 years old. It's because there is sin and wrong in the world as a natural thing. If you bear with my Biblical principles, think of Romans 3:23 (I think that is the passage): "For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." (NIV) So, really, one can never be guilt free. However, one can understand when it is good to be guilt, and when it isn't, and how to act accordingly, just as in how one can choose to do wrong but does not. We always will fail in being perfect all the time, and trying to be perfect does not get us saved (if you believe such,) but it is a morality issue. Wise thinking are beneficial, and choosing to have the wrong reaction to situations is not beneficial in the long run.
One who is cruel and heartless is not guilt-free necessarily. He or she who is such hides their guilt, but does not choose to properly ignore it. They are wound up in their selfish desires, and trying to make justice meet in their minds attempt to oppress any logical reasoning that would rebuke their actions.
As I believe I have stated before, if you do not have guilt as your motivation, your real, true motivation is charity. When we think of charity, we often think of those mini-organizations that knock on your door begging for money. The real definition of charity is sacrifice for others. In that sense, your motivation for helping others is BECAUSE THEY NEED HELP. That is the only ever real reason to help. Not to make you look/feel good or to get in those community service hours or because someone asked you to.
Chick with Brains, your comment is a very interesting one. The answer is ultimately no. Does conflict ultimately lead people to want peace? Yes. Is conflict good?
In my Biblical point of view, God does not like evil, but he can work with it to ultimately glorify him. As in, he can use our mistakes, our sin, our bad choices, and have the consiquences work out to be one that is a good ending. The evil isn't made right. But what is done with that evil is right. God is not glad that the evil has happened. If you aren't catching what I am saying, let me know.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
Of coarse, you should help others, becuase they need it, that should ultimately be your first motiviation-your first reason! You have to first consider them and not yourself. But is it neccassarily wrong to feel guilty about not helping others? I mean, I definetly think it oitrageous to help someone so you would look good in front of others, bu what if you help becuase you simply wantto help. You liketo help. You wantothers to get the help they need. Helping others becuase they simply need it? Doesn't that sound a bit...um...cold? Shouldn't there be some emotions involved? And you know what? I think there is emotions involved in that too, but different ones. Aren't many people desparate to end poverty and such things for others? Is them doing something so they won't be desparate, really considered as selfish,? In helping others,(in my opinion,) the first thing that should always be considered first is the people u are helping and how badly they need it-but is it wrong to also get a good feeling-maybe not about yourself-after you helped them? I mean...isn't it automatic? Even if u helped someone without them or anyone else in the world knowing, would you not feel happy in TWO different ways? One:the person got the help they needed, and therefore they feel better;two: you who helped them;it's not at all honorable since you should have helped them, and that you felt responsible-but you still feel happy that you fulfilled your responsibility even if you don't really feel proud. Also, I don't think you help others to get it over with! that's...um...so-not-generous! I think you do it becuase you know they need it very fast-it can't be postphoned. Would u not feel great about giving someone something they need in time? Could u live with the fact that someone somewhere needs help? wouldn't you want to do all you can so they will reach peace at last-even if no one thanks u? Would u not feel guitly just automatically if u didn't help them-even if they already received all the help they needed afterwards and did not really need yours-but u still felt guilty?
q squared, do u really think that everything in the world has a reason? Can't that rule ever be broken? Isn't that the way a rationalist might think? How about the way an empiricist thinks? Do they think that everything has a reason behind it? Do they think that everything can be solved or described or explained with reason? You, and many others(like me,) have experienced reason for most of our life-it's normal-it's a habit-it's like a rule of life that can't be broken. But isn't it possible for it to be broken? I think we just haven't experienced life without the reason. Is the law of nature always consistent? Is it normal for me to all of a sudden transform into a blue cat with wonderful striped eyes? Would a baby be surprised if they saw that happen? How about my mom?
I don't think anyone can determine which of the two types of philosophical thinking is better;in many ways they are combined. It really depends on the person;but don't you think it would be nice if a person tried to use both types of thinking in different situations?
I really thought about the whole reason behind helping and loving and well-everything. In fact I'm still pondering it, and probably will for the rest of my life-searching for an answer. Do u suggest that there really is an answer hidden somewhere at some point? Isn't there a reason or a cause or whatever u call it for everything as q squared said? I beleive there is one significant cause for everything: God.
But, can one say that someone cannot do something out of no particular reason at all? When someone says they don't know their reason for loving someone, is it just becuase they havn't identified the reason or is it really because they don't have a reason? I mean...how can one help another for no reason at all? They simply need it...so u should help them....that's a justified reason too. If someone loves all of the world with its every factor becuase God has created it...isn't God than the reason for that individual? How about someone who doesn't beleive God...and loves the whole entire world and every single person and thing? It's greatly mentioned that we should all accept eachother sinlpy becuase we're really made of the same substance-we're all humans. But..what if ailians came and someone loved them-even if in their personal opinion they looked excruciantly ugly?! Should they seem ugly frist of all? I mean...what is the definition of beauty Oh...sorry...I'm just spilling my thoughts into this page...I shouldn't change the subject...
I don't even know if I'm trying to prove anything, q squared, your comment really made my brain go crazy with massive ideas!
But...I guess...the more I think about it the more it seems, that I actually expect everything to hav a reason behind it. Should that be the way I think? Who has the right to say ones way of thinking is wrong? Do I, myself, have the power to criticize my own thinking? I'm afraid that my thinking is based on the things that I have experienced and known. Should I be that way? Should I not train my thoughts to think that yes...something or someone doesn't have to have a reason at all...or that yes...it's quite possible for me to transform into a turquoisish-blue, dazzling and magnificant half-cat, and half-bird, with silver wings....
I just combined existing things that I've seen or heard of, and put them together to create this creature. Is it really my creation then? Probably not...maybe invention...there I go changing the subject again...
But...the thing that I'm trying to grasp is that I think one should think that things they've never known are possible, or may exist.
There might exist someone-anyone-in this whole entire universe-it might not be a human-who helps others for no reason at all. I think that impossible-but I shouldn't.
Again..I apologize for spilling my random thoughts into this page-I think I just spoiled the cause of this post-cuase? Hmmmm....can it have multiple reasons?
But anyhow, I've polluted this post...so sorry. But, by doing this...I think I've been successful in connecting philosophy to this particular topic! Free the children....Craig Keilburger's life changed...he himself created a change...by just reacting to an article about a boy...why did he react that way?
P.S. Don't forget to visit the site! It's quite inspiring...but why? So many questions...why does a human all of a sudden get inspired....
Waaaaay tooooooo loooooong! But what is considerd as long and what is a reasonable length for a comment?! Who sets the boundries for the length? What is considered wrong? Good? Does everyone think the same? Should people generalize? Do your feelings tell you? Your senses? Do u automatically sort and organize things into categories the way Democritus did? Why? Is it good? Yes. Bad? Also yes. Who says so? I say so. Does everyone say so? Of coarse not-I don't know. Aren't I going crazy? What do u mean by that? What is your definition of crazy? Am I talkative? Who is talkative? How do u distinguish a talkative person from a not-so talkative person? What do u mean by talkative? Am I neccassarily talkative just because I write a lot? What is stereotyping? I g2g!
Oh yes I believe everything has a reason, you may say that there is possibly one person in this world that helps others with no reason at all. But that will not work because if some one helps others with no reason at all, then their reason is that they are helping with no reasons at all. I'm certain about that everything has a reason even though we cannot prove thae opposite is because that philosopher(name long forgotten) who doubted everything had been certain of one thing-that is he doubted everything. And I think reasons are the same kind of idea-there is and will be only one side that we could experience.
Saphire, you asked too many questions that are off topic even they are good questions to ask.
Lol! I agree with my off topic questions thing!!! My brain is too disorganized! But then...what is the organization that mind should have? Should there even be any limits?
SORRY ABOUT THAT!
Anyhow...I think that the philosopher who doubted everything was...Descartes...I think....please correct me if I'm wrong! Socrates claomed he only knew one thing: that he doesn't know anything. Pretty wise, huh?
You know...I don't know anything either, but reading and discussing things, and of coarse asking, increases my knowledge. I'm not sure if I agree that everything is a reason...I don't think I'll ever be certain or convinced until I expreience absolutely everything that there is to experience which sure seems way out of it! Like I said...I'll be pondeing this for like ever...your new comment just added thousands of other parts to the train of my thoughts! In a sense I agree and disagree with you...
*claimed-sorry about that!
Sapphire_Turqoise, have you ever heard of the term "unconditional love?" This might help you with your confliction over reasoning.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
I did not say it was wrong to get a good feeling at all. Just don't let it get to you. It is only natural, and fair, to feel good after an accomplishment.
If you understand the community service thing, you will know that all high school students are required to put in 40 hours of community service (150 if you are in I.B., and you can't start until grade 10.) Most students like to put it out of the way in their first year, and at the mention if it they groan. Why? They don't want to do it. But they have to. So, when they "help" the community, it's technically helping, but they're again, not doing it for the right reason. They just don't want to have to worry about it in later years, and are forced to do it by WRDSB policy- it is not out of a giving heart.
I also did not say helping others was emotionless. I was saying which is the wrong type to have. Rememby, being charitable is a quaility trait, but also, to feel empowered to give away is an emotion. As for desperation- desperation is putting something to great lengths at all cost when you believe there is NO hope. Is their no hope? Not if I have anything to do about it!
Wanting to help others and liking to help others definately falls under the "charitable" catergory. Wanting to put forth and sacrifice for no gain of yourself is the right attitude. Just be aware with the liking part- you should feel satisfied when you help, but don't let it get to your head and feel proud. You really have to be self-consious in the matter. If you find you stumble somewhere, don't be discouraged, but try again. It's the only way you, and thus the world, will get any better- by trying.
Is it necessarily wrong to feel guilty? Go back and read some of my previous posts. It never hurts to see what has been said to propel future motion. (Sorry... Theoretical Physics moment.)
You asked some questions relating to "living knowing that someone is suffering." You might guess that I can't and I can tell you cannot. In fact, I would have to say most of the students at McQ feel that way. How many others live this way? Some How many care less? Lots. Is it really your fault others are in poverty and you are not? YOUR specific fault? Unless you supported sweat shops and th sort- no. Should you feel guilty for the sins of the fathers? No. But what they did is being dumped on us- the sons. (excuse the political incorrectness. I think you know what I mean.) The choice were givin is- how much of it are we going to take? My answer is none. I won't take any of it 'til I perish or until it is ridden, whichever comes first. How much will you take?
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
Hrm... too many spelling errors... I am better at writing than typing.
Rocking On,
Postman Craig
I'll definitely think about what you said...pondering,isn't that a nice word? Anyhow, I know I definitelyagree with u on feeling proud after u help someone-it just doesn't seem right.
OMG!!! I just explored the Free The Children site more-IT'S AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A GIANT SITE!!!! I just love it...I'm reading more about the staff....they're amazing! So inspiring....I'm gonna explore it more and more....probably 30 mins more today cuz I hav loads of homework...and than the rest of the site this whole week!!! I'm excited! You'll catch yourself holding your breath as u explore the site more...
When I was reading the Free the Children accomplishments, I was thinking, will I ever make that many wonderful change-making influences and "ripples," is our world? I really hope so...I don't want to be only a dreamer..I want to be like Free the Children Staff...a person who lives their dream. I must start planning!
What are you planning to do?
I really don't know how I'll do it. All I know is that I want to change some things-perhapps by writing.
Perhaps I'll join you if I know what's about. After all someone has to take actions.
Oh....I don't even know how I'm going to do it, what I'm going to do, and when. It's been a loooong lifetime dream-I want to live the dream though.
Anybody visit the site?
Post a Comment
<< Home