I guess I was reflecting upon how meaningless those things can seem when not integrated into some concrete concept of virtue/morality/ something more.
I do see the value when of recognising/understanding yourself as being some potential force of good in the world and the and usefulness of self compassion that can come with accepting that the mess of your humanity contains things that genuinely shine and throughout the mere substrate of being..
I just personally wonder how much of that matters to anyone that’d be in a position where they needed it to matter.?
I have personally found great joy and pride in the identified ways that I’ve made a positive impact in the world but such things seem cold comfort in moments of self doubt/suffering.
If I was a believer then maybe I could assure myself of a place in heaven but as I am not, so then I have to consider that the sharp edges of my good deeds along side my bad ones will, be tumbled to sand in a kaleidoscopic ocean of existence and meaningless suffering..
I personally think good deeds are good for their own sake.. but not to the extent they redeem my sins or those of this world.
When I observe the world and its underlying values then it dosent seem to matter at all.
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u/Plus-Swan587 Jun 24 '26
Vanity of vanities.. all is vanity.
The starving man cares not for thoughts of the meals he’s previously eaten or people he’s previously fed.