Through out all of society we are taught that there is a huge gap between animals and humans. No one stops to think that we are animals. We just know and think that we are better then other animals and are meant to control them. Our culture doesn’t stop and let us behave or think of our selves as animals. When we are little we are so much closer to our animalness as we are more physical and interactive with each other and nature. But when we grow up we lose more and more of our playtime and instead of being physical we spend our lives in boxes and are taught to use our heads and think. Our way of living also feeds us the lie that we are not animals. No one ever considers themselves animals but as a separate group entirely. There are obstacles that are there so we cannot perceive that we are animals. And yet there are many reasons to see our selves as animals cause they will benefit us to have more good and meaningful lives. These obstacles are in our everyday lives diverting the truth before us. All these obstacles including our own society make us “captives of a civilization system that more or less compels you to go on destroying the world in order to live” (Ishmael) Thinking that we rule over the earth and that everything was put down to benefit us lead us to mistreat nature and we will ultimately end up destroying the world and everything that lives in it. The 6 main obstructions to knowing we are animals are religion, the scientific classification system, the time we spend with other humans, evolution, mind vs. body and the fact that we emphasize non-animals traits.
One of the obstructions to knowing we are animals is religion. Through the word of God and the many interpretations we are told that we are the “kings” and that everything is for us to rule. In the book Genesis chapter 1 verse 26-28, God said “let us make man in our own image, after our own likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds in the air and creatures that move along the earth. Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish of the sea….”. In Gods words we are told that we were made from his own likeness and that all the things born before us are there for our benefit and that we are to rule over them. Many people believe in the word of God and take it to heart. The only bad thing about believing in a religion is that it does not give you much room for your own free thoughts and interpretations. Many people reading Genesis will probably think of themselves not as humans but as God like beings that are there to control the earth. The scientific counter part puts us in the same tree as animals and yet we are given our own family. The scientific classification is a chart in which lists all the different living beings in a web that connects everything together. The web starts with Eukaryote and Prokaryote. These are the domains and under each are many other classifications. The web continues and when it gets to haminid it creates a separate group for humans even though we are thought of to be evolved from primates. Even though science identifies that humans are indeed animals they still choose to separate us from other animals by giving humans two separate categories.
The other problem that we don’t believe that we are animals is that 95% of the time we spend with other humans. Just think about it. A typical day a human is surrounded with other humans from going to work, being on the train or bus, at work, and then finally at home if you live with someone. The only time you would see other animals is when you’re out side and you see the birds and the squirrels but no one ever spends time with them. So the only people who actually spend time with other animals are people who own pets. And yet these pets can be seen as only an accessory to humans and are not treated as part of the family or an equal. These pets are the basis of interaction with other animals and even then we don’t spend all of our time with our pets since most of our life is outside working. Humans also go to school where we are deny being physical and our bodies. Students just usually sit in one class and then another through out the whole day. We learn that thinking is much better and we prioritize this over being physical. The whole culture emphasizes non- animals traits such as thinking and makes it impossible in our everyday lives of going from on box to another to actually be in touch with out animal’s instincts.
The other two reasons humans don’t see themselves as animals is because of the thought that the mind and body are different and evolution. Evolution is thought that everything lead up to the creation of human life and now that we exist evolution and creationism will stop all together. Many people think that everything in life was in order to lead up to us and in that fact makes us the controllers of everything below us. This is somewhat similar to Genesis and the scientific classification. Both Genesis and evolution make it seem that everything was created for the human race to rule and have dominance over. The scientific classification and evolution link everything together marking us as animals though in both cases we are the end result and nothing will come after us. Both of these notions is in fact false. There will always be new things evolving and even to this day humans have evolved and will continue to. The philosopher Rene Descarte believes that we are different from animals because humans can think, “I think therefore I am”. He believes in duality, that our mind and body are separate. The body is a flesh servant to the mind and it does not matter because it is not our true selves. Homunculus is the mini person in our brain which is the real us. He believes that there is a tiny person in our minds, which controls our bodies. This breaks us apart from animals because in his belief animals are incapable of thought. He also believes that if the body should perish we would still continue to live. This is because of our soul. All humans have immortal souls in which keep us alive and are the real us in which lives inside the vessel of our bodies. And once we die it is said that our souls go to heaven and thus makes us greater then animals because they posses no souls and do not go to heaven.
Getting over all of these obstructions and realizing we are animals will benefit us in our lives and help make them good and meaningful. Through out our lives we are always humanizing everything thing that is natural in this world. Every woman goes through childbirth and is always going to the doctor to have the baby delivered. Most people think that this is a burden and are troubled by it. But the fact remains that all animals go though childbirth and it is a completely natural part of life. Humans get more freaked out about it and are rushing to the doctors to get meds to relieve the pain to have them deliver the baby. Not many people are aware of mid wives. These women go to the parent’s house and help in the delivery but the difference is that the birth is totally natural and healthy for both the mother and the child. Then there is the fact that the body matters. It is not a separate unit from you and therefore should be treated kindly. Many people today stuff themselves with fat and sugar and get themselves sick. They don’t understand that they need to keep the body healthy in order for them to have good and long lives. Humans also need to get more physical. They are always taking shortcuts instead of keeping active. Everyone person can learn to be a little more active in there day to day lives. Instead of taking the train or bus a short distance you should walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Many people think it’s unnecessary to be more physical and that it’s ok to think many things through. But knowing when to think is important. So many people over think things and miss great opportunities. In school we think the most and are less active. A lot of things are committed to memory and we don’t need to think like going home from work or going to school. Our mind automatically remembers and there is no thinking on your part. Even humans have blind spots. We try to think about things like death and some even think they have a grasp of what it might be like but in fact its impossible because your mind cant imagine what its like being unconscious. The biggest thing humans need to understand is that there is no special rescue. Just like any other animal we are going to die and become extinct. Nothing can prevent this, not the scientists nor can any God stop this. Knowing this we can live more meaningful lives.
I believe that I am and animal and am fully aware of everything around me. Knowing we are animals will help us become more one with nature and our own lives. It will also help us see that we are all connected and that we are not so superior to other living creatures nor should we keep taking advantage of them. This will also help us feel better about ourselves. Experiencing things is much more important then thinking about things. To experience things is to be and feel that you’re alive and will also make you happier. I noticed then when I move around and get active I am much more happier then sitting in a chair being lectured about different things. But I also think its about being interactive. Being by yourself and being active is good but your level of happiness may not be as high as if you were with somebody else. All of these will help make your life more meaningful and maybe we can also take a closer look on how these obstacles are making us mistreat every other living thing.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Animals we see in an hour
Looking out the window:
Humans: 178
Dogs: 5
Cats: 2
While watching Tv (if that counts):
Humans: 74
Cats: 1
Spiders: 7
Slugs: 3
Snakes: 3
Humans: 178
Dogs: 5
Cats: 2
While watching Tv (if that counts):
Humans: 74
Cats: 1
Spiders: 7
Slugs: 3
Snakes: 3
Friday, February 20, 2009
making lists for "Living Funeral"
While Making my list each time I wrote down a name I wondered what the person would say about me. I wonder if any one would say something they did not like about me or if cause I would die it would be all good and then would I even want to hear the bad stuff. I think I would probably like to hear everything the person has to say about me the good and the bad because I am always wondering what people are thinking. It's sometimes easy to get a feel of how someone feels about you or what they think but then there are the people that are more difficult and your left wondering how they feel and think about you.
I think the whole atmosphere would seem (don"t really know)I guess maybe sad or weird. Cause when you usually say things about someone they would be dead, but instead you would be there hearing what everyone says. I think that might be a little harder for some people to share things but then again it might be needed since you have a short amount of time it gives you more incentive to go out there and say things and do things before you die. Kind of like tying up loose ends. Although I might not like it cause then people will be so fixated on your death and the fact that you will be dead instead of focusing on other thins. I wonder if Morrie got special treatment because he was dying or it was because he's an interesting person to be around that so many people decided to talk to him and visit him.
If my death was pronounced around this time in my life I think I would be perhaps some what relieved that I do not have to see the people around me die and that is probably selfish but its true. But I would also be sad that my life would be cut so short and that I would not have been able to do the many things that I want. I am not sure if I would want a lot of people at my "living funeral" or just the people that are more meaningful to me and that I am closer to.
I think the whole atmosphere would seem (don"t really know)I guess maybe sad or weird. Cause when you usually say things about someone they would be dead, but instead you would be there hearing what everyone says. I think that might be a little harder for some people to share things but then again it might be needed since you have a short amount of time it gives you more incentive to go out there and say things and do things before you die. Kind of like tying up loose ends. Although I might not like it cause then people will be so fixated on your death and the fact that you will be dead instead of focusing on other thins. I wonder if Morrie got special treatment because he was dying or it was because he's an interesting person to be around that so many people decided to talk to him and visit him.
If my death was pronounced around this time in my life I think I would be perhaps some what relieved that I do not have to see the people around me die and that is probably selfish but its true. But I would also be sad that my life would be cut so short and that I would not have been able to do the many things that I want. I am not sure if I would want a lot of people at my "living funeral" or just the people that are more meaningful to me and that I am closer to.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Answering questions about statics
1. What percentage of old people live in nursing home?
According to AARP in 2004 1.5 million people lived in nursing homes. 88% of nursing home residents are 65 an older, 45% are 85 and older. Yet only 2% of Americans age 65 to 84 and 14% of Americans age 85 or older live in nursing homes.
2. What percentage of old people live alone?
63% of most women who live alone are 55 or older, 34% of men who live alone are 55 and older.
3. What percentage of old people are sexually active?
53% of old people are sexually active. (USA Today)
4. What percentage of old people are involved in car accidents?
In 2006 people 65 and older made up 14% of the traffic fatalities, 13.5% of vehicle occupant fatalities, 18.9% pedestrian fatalities (NHTSA). Older drivers' vehicles were nearly twice as likely to be struck than younger drivers' vehicles- 61% vs 82%
5. What percentage of old people are healthy?
19.17% to 1999 vs 26% in 1982. At least 80% have 1 chronic health condition and 50% have at least 2
6. What percentage of old people live in poverty?
Old people 65 and older who lived in poverty declined from 35% in 1959 to 10% in 2003 cause of social security
7. What percentage of old people are disabled?
According to AARP more than seven million people ages 50 to 64, over 14% of these people identify themselves as having a disability and or health condition
8. What percentage of old people die in care homes?
Old people who died in care homes increased from 1989 (5.7%) to 2001 (16.2)
9. What percentage of old people die from cancer?
According to the National Cancer institute 71% of all cancer deaths are in persons 65 and older
10. What percent of old people take pills?
30% of of all prescribed drugs are consumed by people 65 or older, 40% of all over the counter drugs are consumed by people 65 or older.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/meds4old/697_old.html
According to most of the sites and evidence the common age that marks you as the beginning of old is around 50 to 55 years. Some of the questions I encountered seemed to come from the common image of old people like what percentage of old people are sick, what percentage are live in nursing homes, die each year but Yu-xi came up with some interesting questions I would never have thought of. Her questions seemed to go outside of the popular image and asked questions like what percentage of old people live in poverty and what percentage are healthy instead of sick and dying. From the research it seems to me that since they are old most people assume that their lives are already over and all they have to do is sit and wait for death. But with some reading you can see that life still goes on. Old people drive, make a living, support their families,do things that make them happy. There are many more faces of an image its just that we only pay so close attention to the certain face that gets the most I guess in a way publicity.
According to AARP in 2004 1.5 million people lived in nursing homes. 88% of nursing home residents are 65 an older, 45% are 85 and older. Yet only 2% of Americans age 65 to 84 and 14% of Americans age 85 or older live in nursing homes.
2. What percentage of old people live alone?
63% of most women who live alone are 55 or older, 34% of men who live alone are 55 and older.
3. What percentage of old people are sexually active?
53% of old people are sexually active. (USA Today)
4. What percentage of old people are involved in car accidents?
In 2006 people 65 and older made up 14% of the traffic fatalities, 13.5% of vehicle occupant fatalities, 18.9% pedestrian fatalities (NHTSA). Older drivers' vehicles were nearly twice as likely to be struck than younger drivers' vehicles- 61% vs 82%
5. What percentage of old people are healthy?
19.17% to 1999 vs 26% in 1982. At least 80% have 1 chronic health condition and 50% have at least 2
6. What percentage of old people live in poverty?
Old people 65 and older who lived in poverty declined from 35% in 1959 to 10% in 2003 cause of social security
7. What percentage of old people are disabled?
According to AARP more than seven million people ages 50 to 64, over 14% of these people identify themselves as having a disability and or health condition
8. What percentage of old people die in care homes?
Old people who died in care homes increased from 1989 (5.7%) to 2001 (16.2)
9. What percentage of old people die from cancer?
According to the National Cancer institute 71% of all cancer deaths are in persons 65 and older
10. What percent of old people take pills?
30% of of all prescribed drugs are consumed by people 65 or older, 40% of all over the counter drugs are consumed by people 65 or older.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/meds4old/697_old.html
According to most of the sites and evidence the common age that marks you as the beginning of old is around 50 to 55 years. Some of the questions I encountered seemed to come from the common image of old people like what percentage of old people are sick, what percentage are live in nursing homes, die each year but Yu-xi came up with some interesting questions I would never have thought of. Her questions seemed to go outside of the popular image and asked questions like what percentage of old people live in poverty and what percentage are healthy instead of sick and dying. From the research it seems to me that since they are old most people assume that their lives are already over and all they have to do is sit and wait for death. But with some reading you can see that life still goes on. Old people drive, make a living, support their families,do things that make them happy. There are many more faces of an image its just that we only pay so close attention to the certain face that gets the most I guess in a way publicity.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Questions about Old folks (society percentages)
1. What percentage of old folks live in an old persons home?
2. What percentage of old people hate their lives?
3. What percentage was forced (had no choice) to go live in an old persons home?
4. What's the difference between the percentage of old people who are happy at home vs. the percentage that are happy living in a nursing home?
5. What is old peoples place in society?
6. What percentage of old people actually think their old?
7. What percentage of old people die in a nursing home?
8. How much does a nursing home cost?
9. What percentage of old people like their lives?
10. What do old people think about the younger generation?
11. What percentage of old people approve how our generation are living our lives?
12. What percentage of old people have think they have a future?
13. What percentage of old people believe in a religion vs the percentage who do not?
14. What percentage of old people have grandchildren?
15. What percentage of old people have something to live for?
16. What percentage of old people are completely healthy?
17. What percentage of old people live alone?
18. What percentage of old people have a drivers licence?
19. What percentage of those people from question 18 actually drive?
20. What percentage of driving accidents involve old people?
21. What percentage of old people are on antidepressants?
22. What percentage of old people are scared of death?
23. What percentage of old people cant wait for death?
24. what percentage of old people would go over and do things again?
2. What percentage of old people hate their lives?
3. What percentage was forced (had no choice) to go live in an old persons home?
4. What's the difference between the percentage of old people who are happy at home vs. the percentage that are happy living in a nursing home?
5. What is old peoples place in society?
6. What percentage of old people actually think their old?
7. What percentage of old people die in a nursing home?
8. How much does a nursing home cost?
9. What percentage of old people like their lives?
10. What do old people think about the younger generation?
11. What percentage of old people approve how our generation are living our lives?
12. What percentage of old people have think they have a future?
13. What percentage of old people believe in a religion vs the percentage who do not?
14. What percentage of old people have grandchildren?
15. What percentage of old people have something to live for?
16. What percentage of old people are completely healthy?
17. What percentage of old people live alone?
18. What percentage of old people have a drivers licence?
19. What percentage of those people from question 18 actually drive?
20. What percentage of driving accidents involve old people?
21. What percentage of old people are on antidepressants?
22. What percentage of old people are scared of death?
23. What percentage of old people cant wait for death?
24. what percentage of old people would go over and do things again?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Interviews
Great uncle Gaspar Imburgia: 67
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
You don’t’ realize what anything means until your in your 50s or older. When you’re young the territory looks plain and fine but as you get into the 50s things start to change. You look at life differently you start exercising and watching food intake and at that point the meaning of life is to stay healthy. Because the healthier you are the longer you live. Also as you get older you think of life differently in that you try to do more for people. When you’re young you don’t think about those things so much. You don’t think about Africa and South American but as you get old you think about how these people live and how they find food every day and you realize how lucky you are to be where your are rather then one of those people who have to look for food every day to feed their families. Gives you a better perspective of life. Look at the bigger picture rather than your own life. In your 30 or 40s you try to make it and get ahead. But after you do all that you say to yourself what is it all about. And you go back to thinking about other people and what’s right and wrong. In my experience as you get older you get more sentimental and you get to the truth of life and what it’s about and why were here. And it looks like a long life but let me tell you before you know it it’s over. The whole thing is over and you think what happen and what did I do. And that what’s happens. All of us don’t think of ourselves as old but I am. But I still think of myself as 40 but I’m 76.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed?
Again trying to do better for people you become more charitable and give more to people who need help, money, food, clothing, give to soup kitchens because you think about what happens after death. You think about more and more as you get old.
If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
When your young you think you’ll never approach that, and you’ll never die. But some people you knew aren’t around any more and some day you’re not going to be around so you think about trying to do good things and treat people better. You try to do the best you can for the people you can help. We can’t help everyone but in the circle that we are in we try to help people who need it. And that’s what I try to do and what has changed during the years.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
Absolutely. If I died at 50, I wouldn’t have the scope of life that I have now. The longer you live the better perspective you have on life. People nearest me are the most meaningful. Close relatives, friends everyone around me are meaningful to me. Spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, relatives. As you get old that circle expands gets bigger and bigger. And think about other people that can’t make it easily in this life.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
I’m not qualified, there are people who work in that kind of field. But in my opinion you should try to treat people as well as you can. As you move on to the next stage of life the people you meet you should deal with them as you would want people to deal with you. I think if you have that and if you follow that in many instances a lot of the stuff that goes on today, the problems wouldn’t be going on. For instance the Madoff ponzi scheme, if he used my maxim he wouldn’t have done that. I think that’s the bottom line. Don’t do anything to others that you wouldn’t want them to do to you.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Over the years we’re talking about generations, a lot of things have changed for example people in general, in the 19th century people would think nothing of throwing a son or daughter out because there were too many in the family or hitting them to the extent of killing or maiming them. In the old days people were more like animals. However with the times and education and all the things we have and experiences in the last hundreds of years this has changed dramatically. It still happens, but these people are not right and it’s not considered normal. But in the early 19th most people wouldn’t think a thing about hitting a kid and not do a thing much about it. No one would.
But how we view life in generally, but there has been an economic difference . . . the economy in 1900 vs. 2000. In 1900 it was tough for people to pull thru. They had a lot of children to work for them. They wanted boys not girls so the boys can work the land. Things have changed because of education and economic conditions are better. Although there are things that go wrong, and there are still wars but in general lives are much better including those living in poverty today. Because there are a lot of people trying to help them out. Even on that score the longevity in these countries is longer today because they’re getting government help and help from people. But there are still exceptions. But generally life is better.
Uncle Sal: 62
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
A good and meaningful life is having family, meaningful job that contributes to the community, and having enough left over to afford yourself small luxuries and enjoyments.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed? If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
The most meaningful thing in my life is family and should be nothing that gets in the way of family and it hasn’t changed. I was lucky enough to be brought up with those values so that hasn’t changed.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
Yes my attitude has changed. The learning process never stops. My level of understanding has changed.
No ones life is more meaningful than mine. Everyone should feel their life is more meaningful than anyone else.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
It’s 60% give and 40% take. As long as you give more than you take you’re living a meaningful life and you will be rewarded.
Yes I’m qualified by the definition of the constitution of the US of America. And if anyone chooses not to take my advice they are covered by the definition of the constitution of the US of America.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Yes it’s changed because as the generations have gone on the ability to live a good life has become more challenging because the influences that distract you have become more prevalent and have increased as generations have gone on.
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
You don’t’ realize what anything means until your in your 50s or older. When you’re young the territory looks plain and fine but as you get into the 50s things start to change. You look at life differently you start exercising and watching food intake and at that point the meaning of life is to stay healthy. Because the healthier you are the longer you live. Also as you get older you think of life differently in that you try to do more for people. When you’re young you don’t think about those things so much. You don’t think about Africa and South American but as you get old you think about how these people live and how they find food every day and you realize how lucky you are to be where your are rather then one of those people who have to look for food every day to feed their families. Gives you a better perspective of life. Look at the bigger picture rather than your own life. In your 30 or 40s you try to make it and get ahead. But after you do all that you say to yourself what is it all about. And you go back to thinking about other people and what’s right and wrong. In my experience as you get older you get more sentimental and you get to the truth of life and what it’s about and why were here. And it looks like a long life but let me tell you before you know it it’s over. The whole thing is over and you think what happen and what did I do. And that what’s happens. All of us don’t think of ourselves as old but I am. But I still think of myself as 40 but I’m 76.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed?
Again trying to do better for people you become more charitable and give more to people who need help, money, food, clothing, give to soup kitchens because you think about what happens after death. You think about more and more as you get old.
If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
When your young you think you’ll never approach that, and you’ll never die. But some people you knew aren’t around any more and some day you’re not going to be around so you think about trying to do good things and treat people better. You try to do the best you can for the people you can help. We can’t help everyone but in the circle that we are in we try to help people who need it. And that’s what I try to do and what has changed during the years.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
Absolutely. If I died at 50, I wouldn’t have the scope of life that I have now. The longer you live the better perspective you have on life. People nearest me are the most meaningful. Close relatives, friends everyone around me are meaningful to me. Spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, relatives. As you get old that circle expands gets bigger and bigger. And think about other people that can’t make it easily in this life.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
I’m not qualified, there are people who work in that kind of field. But in my opinion you should try to treat people as well as you can. As you move on to the next stage of life the people you meet you should deal with them as you would want people to deal with you. I think if you have that and if you follow that in many instances a lot of the stuff that goes on today, the problems wouldn’t be going on. For instance the Madoff ponzi scheme, if he used my maxim he wouldn’t have done that. I think that’s the bottom line. Don’t do anything to others that you wouldn’t want them to do to you.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Over the years we’re talking about generations, a lot of things have changed for example people in general, in the 19th century people would think nothing of throwing a son or daughter out because there were too many in the family or hitting them to the extent of killing or maiming them. In the old days people were more like animals. However with the times and education and all the things we have and experiences in the last hundreds of years this has changed dramatically. It still happens, but these people are not right and it’s not considered normal. But in the early 19th most people wouldn’t think a thing about hitting a kid and not do a thing much about it. No one would.
But how we view life in generally, but there has been an economic difference . . . the economy in 1900 vs. 2000. In 1900 it was tough for people to pull thru. They had a lot of children to work for them. They wanted boys not girls so the boys can work the land. Things have changed because of education and economic conditions are better. Although there are things that go wrong, and there are still wars but in general lives are much better including those living in poverty today. Because there are a lot of people trying to help them out. Even on that score the longevity in these countries is longer today because they’re getting government help and help from people. But there are still exceptions. But generally life is better.
Uncle Sal: 62
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
A good and meaningful life is having family, meaningful job that contributes to the community, and having enough left over to afford yourself small luxuries and enjoyments.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed? If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
The most meaningful thing in my life is family and should be nothing that gets in the way of family and it hasn’t changed. I was lucky enough to be brought up with those values so that hasn’t changed.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
Yes my attitude has changed. The learning process never stops. My level of understanding has changed.
No ones life is more meaningful than mine. Everyone should feel their life is more meaningful than anyone else.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
It’s 60% give and 40% take. As long as you give more than you take you’re living a meaningful life and you will be rewarded.
Yes I’m qualified by the definition of the constitution of the US of America. And if anyone chooses not to take my advice they are covered by the definition of the constitution of the US of America.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Yes it’s changed because as the generations have gone on the ability to live a good life has become more challenging because the influences that distract you have become more prevalent and have increased as generations have gone on.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Interview with great Uncle Tony
hey Uncle Tony would you mind me asking you a few questions about what makes life meaningful for my history class?
Sure if I can be helpful and my answers are good enough.
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
My experience I would say that you shouldn’t abuse your body and have a variations of good foods to keep you in good condition and don’t abuse our body like drinking to much liquor. Don’t do things that would harm you. Like taking care of a car.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed?
What’s meaningful to me is my family and to have a family. Children and relatives that would keep you going. And if your alone and don’t have family you don’t have incentive to live.
My 90th birthday it was a surprise and so many people that you see and having my son from California. So they would see their relatives. I was happy Jim was their and so many people that I haven’t seen for a while.
When I was younger I didn’t have family but had sisters and brothers. And enjoyed. It was a different way of life back then big families were more popular but now you can’t have big families cause today it’s too costly.
If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
It hasn’t changed just the people that make up the family has.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
My life is more meaningful for me but when you get older people get annoyed because they have to help you and support you. But my family is very good about that. I get annoyed that I think I’m living too long. But they have to be involved with me and their they have to be involved with their own families and I don’t’ want to be a burden on them. I thank god that I’m still able to get around. So I’m not too much of a burden. As you get older you can brake bones and be an invalid and be a burden on your family. But it’s great to be around at my age. And I have a very good family. Makes you happy to have people around like that.
No I feel that my relatives and my family are all equal to me and I love them all. But you reminisce on the people that have all ready gone and you miss those that left us. Buts all a part of life.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
You have to understand that you can’t be abusive to yourself to have a long and meaningful life. You have to watch your habits. You have to live a clean and meaningful life. I’m not a medical person and not a dr. but all I m saying is that if you do what your supposed to do your supporting yourself to have a longer life. But if you abuse yourself your life will be shorter and you will be less happy with life.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Life hasn’t changed. It’s the situation of the environment and condition in the world has changed. In my day you didn’t many opportunities and with a big family everybody had to put time in to help the family. Today you have a situation today that you have to have 2 parents to work. So financially it’s a difficult situation. As a child you have a better life cause you don’t have the things that most kids have now. They get more and more stuff without even working for it. Like when I was a child we made toys and got boxes and put things together to make a scooter. But today they don’t’ do that. It’s living a different life. It’s not better it’s a different situation the world has changed. You have to find means and ways to contend with it to support your way of life.
Sure if I can be helpful and my answers are good enough.
1. What would you view as a good and meaningful life?
My experience I would say that you shouldn’t abuse your body and have a variations of good foods to keep you in good condition and don’t abuse our body like drinking to much liquor. Don’t do things that would harm you. Like taking care of a car.
2. What would you say as the most meaningful thing in your life is and how would you say it has changed?
What’s meaningful to me is my family and to have a family. Children and relatives that would keep you going. And if your alone and don’t have family you don’t have incentive to live.
My 90th birthday it was a surprise and so many people that you see and having my son from California. So they would see their relatives. I was happy Jim was their and so many people that I haven’t seen for a while.
When I was younger I didn’t have family but had sisters and brothers. And enjoyed. It was a different way of life back then big families were more popular but now you can’t have big families cause today it’s too costly.
If it has changed then what would you say has influenced this change in your answer?
It hasn’t changed just the people that make up the family has.
3. Do you think your life is more meaningful then others because you have lived longer? Do you view anyone's lives as more meaningful to you and how would you make that decision?
My life is more meaningful for me but when you get older people get annoyed because they have to help you and support you. But my family is very good about that. I get annoyed that I think I’m living too long. But they have to be involved with me and their they have to be involved with their own families and I don’t’ want to be a burden on them. I thank god that I’m still able to get around. So I’m not too much of a burden. As you get older you can brake bones and be an invalid and be a burden on your family. But it’s great to be around at my age. And I have a very good family. Makes you happy to have people around like that.
No I feel that my relatives and my family are all equal to me and I love them all. But you reminisce on the people that have all ready gone and you miss those that left us. Buts all a part of life.
4. What advice if any would you give on how to live a good and meaningful life? And do you think you are qualified to give such information?
You have to understand that you can’t be abusive to yourself to have a long and meaningful life. You have to watch your habits. You have to live a clean and meaningful life. I’m not a medical person and not a dr. but all I m saying is that if you do what your supposed to do your supporting yourself to have a longer life. But if you abuse yourself your life will be shorter and you will be less happy with life.
5. Would you say that the definition of how to live a good and meaningful life has changed much and is the change good or bad?
Life hasn’t changed. It’s the situation of the environment and condition in the world has changed. In my day you didn’t many opportunities and with a big family everybody had to put time in to help the family. Today you have a situation today that you have to have 2 parents to work. So financially it’s a difficult situation. As a child you have a better life cause you don’t have the things that most kids have now. They get more and more stuff without even working for it. Like when I was a child we made toys and got boxes and put things together to make a scooter. But today they don’t’ do that. It’s living a different life. It’s not better it’s a different situation the world has changed. You have to find means and ways to contend with it to support your way of life.
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