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The struggle for survival
mindatrisk
Veteran
It seems that we are progressing to a point where we would be able to provide all human beings with what they need to survive... if indeed we are not already there. Do you think that we should? Do you think if it were possible to make sure everyone had the food, water, shelter, medicine etc. that they needed to survive that we should? Or is there a need for the struggle? Does the struggle give something to the species that outweighs the extreme ends of the spectrum such as poverty?
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For some people the struggle gives a motivating impulse, something that gets them going. Or at least that is the only thing I can think of. But then I am a socialist and believe the redistribution of wealth is a good thing, so let’s do it!
Yeah, I was thinking about this, and thinking about all the great art, science and philosophy throughout history, and how much of it was motivated by money. And then thinking about all the art, science and philosophy that is motivated by money and, well, how much it sucks! So money certainly motivates, but to what end, and to what merit, i'm not sure. I don't think we need flip flops with digital radio in the heel.
Agree entirely, money becomes the motivation of so much that is creative, or rather others usurp the creativity in people for their own usually dubious ends. Another socialist over here, verging on anarchist at times of wrath!
All I know is that if we let compassion guide their actions, each one of us can help someone. I have no idea about the possibility or efficacy of economic ideas, but I know that I and my immediate family can give what we can of our time and resources, and use our careers to be helpful every day.
I think the struggle is important in the sense that although we could redistribute all the resources to ensure everyone has enough, continued striving helps enable further advances in terms of better medicine, more efficient sources of energy, etc. Also, things deteriorate and wealth declines naturally so some sort of struggle would still be needed under perfect distribution.
In the not too distant future there could be a day where robots and AI can push the economic cart and do the heavy lifting. There is an idea for a society called Fully Automated Luxury Communsim. Many people do find meaning in their lives through providing and ensuring economic security for themselves and family, so as a species without work we'll have to find new sources of meaning. Personally I find meaning through my Buddhist practice so I look forward to such a future. But many people will face meaninglessness and may simply plug into virtual reality and use scifi mood enhancing drugs to sort out their lives.
I would recommend Yuval Noah Harari and his latest book Homo Deus, or just one of his You Tube talks on the topic. He's a great thinker and the whole book looks into possible futures for humanity.
On the one hand ...
on the other ...
Yes, of course I think we should. Only social darwinists think otherwise, likely confusing struggle with luck and blaming those who are without for not being fit/smart/industrious enough. To look at it the other way, without having to spend so much time and energy just trying to pay for things like food, rent, etc., we could spend it on even greater pursuits like art, literature, science, travel, and any number of things to enhance ourselves and the world around us. To willfully keep people in privation is monstrous, in my opinion.
Well said @Jason it is monstrous (and I should know being a wer-lobster)
Former life karma is the flimsy excuse for not facilitating social development for the involuntary impoverished. It is a faulty model and I reject its victim blame mind model. Don't cling to it as an excuse, peoples of the Dharma.
Exactly ... let me add to that list:
Can we sing and dance now?
Think Global, Act Local.
Isn't getting up in the morning, getting ready for work, getting the kids set on their day (or their own 'struggle') having breakfast, leaving the security of our own homes, dealing with the tussle of traffic (we contribute to) and getting through the day's challenges, not a struggle for survival in and of itself?
Man, sometimes it's all I can do to actually get out of bed.
We can consider the world's struggle to survive, when we can be sure we can conquer our own demons.
Until then, are we aiding - or abetting?
"I define anarchist society as one where there is no legal possibility for coercive aggression against the person or property of any individual" Murray Rothbard - no fizzing black bombs mentioned
Some great posts and thoughts on this thread. I 
passion in compassion.
I was watching a documentary called 'Take Back Your Power' - an example of corporate dystopia ...
That led me here
Thank you for posting this @lobster - that rabbit hole keeps getting deeper!
Like the Buddha we are just human (despite what you have heard)
I consider myself more than human, at times inhuman, humane and super mundane. Very occasionally I exhibit some glimmer of unfolding ...
That is when we have aids/friends/compassion.
I will bet my life on The Buddha. Why? She has helped me [lobster wipes away salty tear]
They who dare, Win. (Motto of the SAS - Special Airy Service)
In a talk Andrea Fella was giving she brought up a story that I thought had some relevance to this thread.
Struggle is usually difficult and often even painful, but it strengthens us and helps us grow. Removing struggle can have the opposite effect of the intention to help in the immediate term and actually cause longer term harm.