Informal Writing Assignment #1

Informal Writing Assignment #1 (VIDEO: Zeitgeist)

Through Astra Taylor's Examined Life, the viewers had the chance to listen to eight different interesting philosophers, who had their own idealistic picture of life. As they placed themselves from a center of New York City, San Francisco Mission District, Airport, and even a sanitation landfill, they illustrated their philosophy as they talked about our everyday experiences. 

Although all the philosophers were very interesting and unique as they pictured the viewers with their visions of what's right or wrong, I found myself wondering how it differs from my perspectives. Peter Singer is one of the philosophers that caught my attention as he delivered his thoughts on how to spend our money. Singer mentioned that America is one of the world's richest countries and also, one of the world's expensive countries. As he walks down the street of New York City, he indicates that Americans, whether they are rich or poor, love spending money on big brand names such as, Gucci, Versace, and etc. He also gives an example of a kid who's drowning in a shallow pool, who needs your help. Coincidentally, you are near by, wearing a expensive pair of shoes and you have to make a decision whether you should save the child and ruin your shoes or walk away with your shoes. Most people's answers should be saving the child and ruining your shoes. However, Singer gave the viewers another picture. With the money you spent to buy the shoes that you ruined to save the child, you could've donated that money to an organization, to save a child or more than one child. So in the end, you should've donated that money in the first place. As I ask myself this question, my answer's very clear; save the child and ruin my shoes. Although realistically and hilariously, I would take off my shoes before saving the child, but as far as his underlined message, it is something that we, human beings, take advantage of.

I am from a family where we studied and believed in Christianity. Religious has always been part of my philosophy when it comes to my everyday experiences. I go to church every Wednesday and Sunday, twice a week, to knowledge myself with God's words to put it into practices. With that said, Singer's illustration commonly connects to my religion's belief. Christianity explains the importance of sharing money with those who need help. Matter of fact, not just with money, but anything in general as long as the help doesn't intend of disobeying God's rules. As I remember myself to put it in to practices, I try not to be too materialistic. Although driving a Lamborghini with a beautiful women sounds very cool and tempting, but I prefer to see people smile as I have an positive effect in their lives as they would for me. As I grew up with insufficient funds, I became independent and ambitious to get money. I falsely thought that my life would be better if I made couple more dollars hourly. However, I realized money isn't anything. Technically, money is man-made and it cycles more than bicycle wheels. Therefore, eventually my time will come as long as I work hard for it. Also, some people say that being independent is a positive action to better our future. However, when you're too independent, you don't get the needs that you get through family support and advices. Yes, you might find motivation through some other means, however love is natural and it is uncontrollable.

In conclusion, Singer's statement makes much more sense to me than as if I wasn't a christian. With that said, maybe Singer also follows the belief of Christianity. Although, Singer caught my attention out of all the philosophers, I think their messages were very similar. We, human beings, love to expect others to clean the mess. We like to close our eyes as we count to three, hoping that what we don't want could disappear. Most of our intentions aren't bad, we just want to satisfy our short-term wants and needs.But maybe or just maybe, we should think about in a long term. Ask ourselves, what could happen, what would happen, and what should happen.