John Stuart Mill

My ethical analysis class has been touching not just on Plato, but on Utilitarianism and the good of one action for the whole versus the individual. I find these themes incredibly resonant with my current life, giving up simple things for myself in order to make others happy. I could argue that this is harmful to my own individuality, but I feel that through being considerate, I find more of myself. Key notes from my course:

"Humans in general prefer cultivation, but there are those who have never been exposed to it. If institutions risked teaching cultivation, every being would have the chance to experience cultivation. Beings would then, once subjected to it, prefer to cultivate themselves."

On John Stuart Mills:

"Opinions are put forward by people, and in all cases we would want to allow for dissenting opinions. Challenges of values and beliefs. “Prevailing opinions: knowing previous that the dissenting opinion is in fact false.” Mill says that should we know, we should still allow the opposition to come forward and present itself. Allows tolerance and a wholesome view. Both opinions can be practical, and through deliberation and discussion we can discover what is true and real. Logic. "

"The development of the individual allows for the constructing of a robust and greater social life. “The good of the whole.” The collection of great individuals come together to produce a decent society. Mill says that we must be careful, for if we see ourselves as whole, we can forget the value of the individual."

Overall, I realize that I must work on myself, and still remain a part of the whole. This rings true with current monetary trouble that I am having in particular. I must sacrifice now, for the things I will desire in the future. I need to function on a more work-based schedule, both on my own thoughts and cultivation and on pleasing my employers. A hard-working girl is a level-headed one!