discuss and responses

1.) The most significant point that I pulled from the Dalai Lama's piece on universal responsibility is the idea of contentment. To be content is to be happy with what you have in the current moment. It does not mean to always be striving to inherit more. A person who lacks contentment, will never find themselves happy even after they reach a milestone they once strived for. This is because they become greedy and will have unlimited wants that will eventually be replaced once that want is achieved. Some of the happiest people have the fewest material items but have contentment with their own situation. This shed light on the meaning of community for myself. I feel that it is very easy to make excuses as to why we do not help those around us more often. People can be busy or have their own agendas that they feel is more important. However, if a person is content with their situation they are able to remove their own greed and see how easily they can help those who are less fortunate. 

2.) The first significant point that I pulled from Mbitis's piece was the idea of a common culture. The author states that all cultures can be traced back to the beginning where the beliefs all came from the same idea. This is an important aspect to take into consideration because I believe that people are so quick to recognize differences that seperate the different cultural beliefs and coinciding religions. It has created hard divisional lines between groups because peope have failed to look deeper. In reality, each group has very similar beliefs that stem from a common idea. While the obvious differences stand out, it takes a much more intelligent person to realize the alikeness. The second imprtant point that I pulled from this piece was kinship. Mbiti describes kinship as one of the strongest forces in traditional African life. Kinship is the idea of interconnectedness through blood or marriage. This kinship is a lesson that I believe other groups could learn from and even expand on. Kinship can be broadened to extend to those who are not related to one another to create a larger and stronger community especially in the present day American Culture. 

3.) The point from the third piece that I found important was the idea of interdependence. For a culture to thrive and be successful, all of those members of the society must be individually thriving. This relates to the idea of responsibility toward human community because people should want to help those around them. It is in their best interest to treat those near them with respect and dignity to help them become successful. In turn, this creates a healthier community and will actually help each individual family. This provides everyone the equal chance of a happy and fulfilling life regardless of their situation. 

4.) I believe that through studying various religions, we can individually make changes to our own actions and beliefs. Each religion has a varying standard and belief system. They each prioritze different aspects, specifically related to community and the role each member plays. Be encompassing many different beliefs I believe that each person can approach the community on a more holistic system of beliefs that will benefit themselves and those surrounding them. 

1.) The most substantial point from Dalai Lama's passage discussing the value of being fully content with his life. In order for an individual to be content, they are known to be blessed and humbled by where they are currently at in their life. For those individuals who are not content, they are more described as grumpy individuals who do not see the positive side to things but the negative. These types of individuals are normally those who always want more and are never satisfied with what they have, they are greedy and always seeking for more. There is saying “More money, more problems,” for a reason. Individuals who are content are typically of the crowd that is also willing to help and is selfless as opposed to selfish. Materialistic objects are not permanent and can be damaged and/or taken away within a blink of an eye. An individual’s reputation and impact on this world is what truly makes them a legacy.  

2.) Of the most interesting points that were mentioned in Mbiti’s passage, there were a few ideas that have stuck out. Living in a community may consist of different types of cultures or very similar, if not the exact same cultures. Going into a community with different cultures than your own could be a cultural shock for some individuals. However, in this passage, it is mentioned that cultures are basically all the same if they are followed back to their roots.  When this idea is pondered about, individuals may believe that we are all cut from the same cloth. Therefore, bringing individuals together as a community as opposed to being split into groups or different social classes. The next important and interesting point that was discussed was family and kinship. Kinship is defined as a close-knit connection that is mainly shown in African lifestyle. This kinship typically consists of those blood related to the individuals but sometimes is expanded onto individuals who are not from the same blood line.

3.)  A key point from Declaration towards a Global Ethic that I found which underlines the meaning and importance of human solidarity was the idea of interdependence. The reason I found this of importance is because in order for there to be a successful human community, all individuals of said community should be thriving to do and be their best. The reason why this is a responsibility toward human community is because individuals should want to portray solidarity whenever it is possible, especially to those of their own community. Doing these types of actions and portraying teamwork will only allow for a positive group vibe when coming into the community and having a level of expectations should anyone become a part of it.

4.) I do believe that there are things that could learn from culture and religions different than our own that could assist us with how we should call our relatedness and community. Humans are known to compare lifestyles with one another. Sometimes this is done subconsciously and is almost like second nature to us. It is important to know that if another community or religion is teaching you something that is positive, then it is important to pass that positivity onto your own kinship or even leadership style. Knowing that different cultures or community could have a positive impact on your own is something that could only make your future generations excel at what they do.