(January 7, 2018 at 1:48 pm)Catholic_Lady Wrote:(January 7, 2018 at 1:28 pm)wallym Wrote: It seems silly and obvious, but it's crazy how much people do because they think that's what they're supposed to do. The vague notion of the 'right way to live.' It's why I think people are generally so miserable. We're told to live our lives in a way we don't enjoy for reasons that aren't particularly clear. People dutifully play along, and then everybody is sad, and nobody can figure out why.
Don't you think sacrifice and delaying immediate gratification can sometimes pay off and make you happier in the long run though?
"Sacrifice" as far as old mythology sells, and again, it isn't just Christianity, or monotheism, but all of antiquity, was not about saving money or jumping in the water to save a drowning child. Back then in antiquity "sacrifice" meant defending your rulers. I am quite sure North Korean Loyalists think they are "sacrificing" for a greater good too.
I "sacrificed" years taking care of my elderly mother. Especially after her last operation. I spend 6 to 7 days a week, for 8 months 12 to 16 hours a day up until her death.
But sorry, if we are being specific to antiquity back then "sacrifice" was about tribalism, not empathy for other groups.
