The world as I see it.
It is the end of the school year. Students are taking exams. Here in France, students have been taking the end of high school exams — the famous (or infamous) French BAC exams. The written portion of the exams begins with a four-hour essay exam in philosophy.
Early on the morning of that exam, I woke up with questions in my head: “For who does one study? For who does one learn?”
We can look at these questions on two levels. On a first (and obvious) level, one studies for themself — to learn and be able to support themself — hopefully doing something that they like.
On a deeper level, we can say that one studies and learns in order to contribute to society. (Again, hopefully doing something that one likes.) This might be in a professional activity, as a doctor, a journalist, a poet, working in a factory, being a tradesperson, designing things, working in a shop, being a parent or a caregiver, … — the list is endless. All are needed. Done well, all bring value and contribute to society.
So, for who does one study and learn? For both oneself and for society at large.
But, what about people who are self-centered and do not view themselves as contributing value to others and society at large? Maybe they provide value by showing us the example of what not to be.
You may not agree with me but, That is how I see things.
Mark Louis Uhrich
Maisons-Laffitte, France, 29 June 2018
©Copyright Mark Louis Uhrich