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"Si notre bien-être n'a pas seulement de la valeur pour nous-mêmes mais aussi pour les autres alors le concept de moralité ne peut pas être subjectif."

Sam Harris
Sam Harris Author, Philosopher, Neuroscientist
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Quote meaning
The idea here is pretty straightforward: if our happiness and wellness matter not just to us personally but to the people around us, then morality isn’t just a personal opinion. It becomes something more concrete and objective. It’s saying that morality isn’t just whatever each of us feels is right or wrong in our own little bubbles, but rather it’s something that exists outside of us, shaped by the impact of our actions on others.

Let’s think about why someone might say this. Maybe it's coming from a time when individualism is at its peak—where everyone is told to “do what feels right for you.” But this idea pushes back against that, suggesting that we’ve got to think bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about personal freedom; it’s about community and interdependence. Historically, lots of ethical debates have circled around this idea—whether morality is just about personal beliefs or if there are some universal standards we should all live by.

Imagine a real-life example. Think of a small neighborhood. Picture a guy who loves playing his drums at 2 AM. To him, it's his form of relaxation—his well-being. But for his neighbors, it's a nightmare. They can't sleep, they’re cranky at work the next day, and their overall happiness tanks. If our drummer friend only thinks about his personal happiness, he might argue that he's not doing anything wrong. But step back and look at the bigger picture, and you see that his actions have a negative impact on those around him. It’s not just about him anymore. It’s about the community's well-being too. This nudges us to see morality as something beyond subjective whims.

So, how can we apply this to our lives? Start by considering the ripple effects of your actions. Before making decisions, think about how they’ll impact others. Try to step outside of your own shoes—empathy is key. If you're making a decision, big or small, ask yourself: "How would I feel if I were in their position?" It’s about shifting the focus from “me, me, me” to “we.” And it doesn't have to be gigantic life-altering changes. Even small, daily decisions can be made with others in mind.

Here’s a little story to illustrate. Imagine you work in an office. You love your fragrant tuna sandwich, but every time you bring it, the entire office groans from the smell. If you only think about your lunch preferences, you might not see the issue. But if you consider the well-being of your colleagues, you might decide to switch to a less pungent meal. This small act shows a recognition that your well-being isn’t isolated—it’s tied to the well-being of those around you. By making this change, you’re acknowledging that morality isn’t just about what feels right to you personally. It’s about creating a harmonious environment for everyone.

So next time you’re faced with a decision, big or small, think about the broader impact. It’s not just about you. It’s about all of us.
Related tags
Altruism Ethics Interpersonal relationships Morality Philosophy Subjectivity Values Well-being
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