Re:Living paycheck to paycheck is disturbingly common
by wildmusings on Monday December 31, 2018 @05:59PM
(#18797609)
Both perspectives need to coexist. Yes, human beings are partially products of their environment. But that environment includes the moral disapproval of others, and people do respond to internalized moral sentiments. Those moral sentiments can be undermined by too many excuses accepted or made on their behalf.
Some people are naturally more conscientious than others. Their moral burden is lighter. Life is unfair like that, but the answer isn’t to exonerate the rest of us from moral responsibility for managing our own affairs. On the contrary, those moral sentiments are most important for those who struggle with self-discipline.
Which is not to say that it’s wrong to try to organize society to give people a better chance at succeeding in their moral struggles. But at the end of it all, every man must carry his own cross.
Some people are naturally more conscientious than others. Their moral burden is lighter. Life is unfair like that, but the answer isn’t to exonerate the rest of us from moral responsibility for managing our own affairs. On the contrary, those moral sentiments are most important for those who struggle with self-discipline.
Which is not to say that it’s wrong to try to organize society to give people a better chance at succeeding in their moral struggles. But at the end of it all, every man must carry his own cross.