How can I contribute to the betterment of the society?

[Pick|Choose]

I am honestly distraught by the current state of the society. Yea, there's plenty of reasons to be upset about the society, and there are plenty of people already upset for the particular reasons that come to mind when thinking about the current state of affairs; but, I'm gonna make a thread about it anyway, I don't care.

Anyways, what namely bothers me is how "detached" and solipsistic we've become (but were we ever not?). It seems like the current objective across the board is to simply get through college and score a well-paying job so that one day you can afford a nice house, a nice car, and support your wife/husband/family before you can live out your last days as a recognized member of the senior community. In a world where there is so much pain, and suffering, where poverty, hunger, and pollution, overpopulation and government corruption are pressing issues of the day, we ignorant, stupid, lazy humans (myself included) choose to live secluded lives within a small circle where we only fend for ourselves. Yea, there's plenty to say about that, but I know my arguing won't do much to aid the situation; and I know I can't morally expect others to dedicate their lives to solving these issues; but, I can take charge of my life and break the pattern, right? Right. I'm determined, and I have two working hands, right? Right; but how do I act? What can a single person really do? I'm not rich, so I can't fix problems with money. I don't have any authority or power, so my opinions have little influence. I have no brilliant mind that would come up with the solutions to these countless dilemmas...What can I really do?

The only thing I have going for me is my programming career honestly. I will soon be going to college, majoring in computer science, and that's the only thing I feel I can offer. But I fail to see how that skill could potentially benefit anybody in the larger scope aside from companies looking to earn $$. That is NOT what I want my work and effort to go to. There are quite enough commodities among the middle and upper class of the industrialized world, and it is time to turn the tide and dedicate to other areas that need help more urgently.


...but what can I do?

I realize how general the question is, but I'd honestly appreciate any responses.
Sorry for my English, by the way, it is not my native language.

 

[Kuilui]

http://youtu.be/chXsLtHqfdM

I'd recommend watching that video and absorb its message. Also who says you have to get your programming degree and go be some shill that does the 9-5 for thirty years? You could always use your programming skills to program some amazing new technology to better all mankind with a lot of other people around you of course, start your own company that fights pollution. Plenty of people volunteer and help out the world, my mother volunteers a lot for various charities. I hate to tell you this but all those things you mentioned the poverty, hunger, yadda, yadda have been part of humanity since forever. You cant save the world. You can however go build schools in Africa or south america if you really want to pitch in, you got two hands like you said. Go build homes somewhere in the world or help dig wells in impoverished countries. Go to school get your degree and get together with like minded people to go create some new amazing technology. There's plenty of ways you can volunteer your time to benefit others. Go work in a soup kitchen and help feed hungry down on their luck souls.

 

[Albino Boo]

Guess what, by working in a boring job and paying tax, you are paying for other peoples education health and pensions. By spending money and buying things you are giving other people jobs. Who in turn pay tax which pays for public services around the world. Twice the number of people living in the USA have been lifted out poverty by the partial free market reforms in India and China. You complain about people being solipsistic and then you you assume that you will benefit the human race by doing something different from the billions of people in the world who do the boring day to day thing of going to work and paying taxes.

 

[Pick|Choose]

Guess what, by working in a boring job and paying tax, you are paying for other peoples education health and pensions. By spending money and buying things you are giving other people jobs. Who in turn pay tax which pays for public services around the world. Twice the number of people living in the USA have been lifted out poverty by the partial free market reforms in India and China. You complain about people being solipsistic and then you you assume that you will benefit the human race by doing something different from the billions of people in the world who do the boring day to day thing of going to work and paying taxes.

Does an average person work a job because of charity? Does an average person pay taxes because of good will? No of course not. They do so because they must (generally speaking). I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with that; there isn't. What irks me is that it is so common for us to focus solely on our needs, and in the process disregard the needs of those who need help much more urgently. Sure, I guess we all contribute in some minor degree simply by doing the routine, but we could focus our efforts on issues that need more attention. Personally, I feel I should do more than the average. I don't want to make the impression that I'm doing this only for the sake of doing something unique, or different, the goal is to help alleviate the issues that plague society.

 

[Albino Boo]

Guess what, by working in a boring job and paying tax, you are paying for other peoples education health and pensions. By spending money and buying things you are giving other people jobs. Who in turn pay tax which pays for public services around the world. Twice the number of people living in the USA have been lifted out poverty by the partial free market reforms in India and China. You complain about people being solipsistic and then you you assume that you will benefit the human race by doing something different from the billions of people in the world who do the boring day to day thing of going to work and paying taxes.

Does an average person work a job because of charity? Does an average person pay taxes because of good will? No of course not. They do so because they must (generally speaking). I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with that; there isn't. What irks me is that it is so common for us to focus solely on our needs, and in the process disregard the needs of those who need help much more urgently. Sure, I guess we all contribute in some minor degree simply by doing the routine, but we could focus our efforts on issues that need more attention. Personally, I feel I should do more than the average. I don't want to make the impression that I'm doing this only for the sake of doing something unique, or different, the goal is to help alleviate the issues that plague society.

Look you will do more benefit to more people by living a normal life than you could ever do building schools in Africa . People have worked hard to pay for your education and your health care and now you won't contribute in turn? Who is going to pay for health care and your pension? Some other poor sod who is working. Western consumers have raised 600 million people out of poverty by buying things made in India and China. It was not intentional by any those people to raise anyone about out of poverty but by buying xboxs, PCs and Ipads they have done. All those, jobs, money and taxes paid all because people bought things. The last 25 years have seen the greatest improvement in standards of livings because more people than ever before are part the market system. Want to help Africa, buy a bunch of cut flowers every week. Kenya now produces between 50-75% of all Europe's cut flowers. By buying those flowers you give 1000s of people jobs in Kenya and those jobs pay for health care, roads and sewers. You have to ask yourself what is the question I am really asking. Do I want to improve the lives of millions or do I want to make myself feel good?

 

[Pick|Choose]

Guess what, by working in a boring job and paying tax, you are paying for other peoples education health and pensions. By spending money and buying things you are giving other people jobs. Who in turn pay tax which pays for public services around the world. Twice the number of people living in the USA have been lifted out poverty by the partial free market reforms in India and China. You complain about people being solipsistic and then you you assume that you will benefit the human race by doing something different from the billions of people in the world who do the boring day to day thing of going to work and paying taxes.

Does an average person work a job because of charity? Does an average person pay taxes because of good will? No of course not. They do so because they must (generally speaking). I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with that; there isn't. What irks me is that it is so common for us to focus solely on our needs, and in the process disregard the needs of those who need help much more urgently. Sure, I guess we all contribute in some minor degree simply by doing the routine, but we could focus our efforts on issues that need more attention. Personally, I feel I should do more than the average. I don't want to make the impression that I'm doing this only for the sake of doing something unique, or different, the goal is to help alleviate the issues that plague society.

Look you will do more benefit to more people by living a normal life than you could ever do building schools in Africa . People have worked hard to pay for your education and your health care and now you won't contribute in turn? Who is going to pay for health care and your pension? Some other poor sod who is working. Western consumers have raised 600 million people out of poverty by buying things made in India and China. It was not intentional by any those people to raise anyone about out of poverty but by buying xboxs, PCs and Ipads they have done. All those, jobs, money and taxes paid all because people bought things. The last 25 years have seen the greatest improvement in standards of livings because more people than ever before are part the market system. Want to help Africa, buy a bunch of cut flowers every week. Kenya now produces between 50-75% of all Europe's cut flowers. By buying those flowers you give 1000s of people jobs in Kenya and those jobs pay for health care, roads and sewers. You have to ask yourself what is the question I am really asking. Do I want to improve the lives of millions or do I want to make myself feel good?

I gotta hand it to you, you're a great de-motivational speaker, but I fail to see how the first statement's true. Making education more accessible to children in Africa would be far more beneficial than the small fraction of money a person might receive from me buying flowers (not that I'm opposed to the idea. I would help any way I can, I just believe setting up proper schooling would be more valuable). You speak as if I owe my life to the Western world, but nobody has worked hard for MY education or MY health care. I doubt anybody cares about me specifically unless I'm considered under a statistic. I DO want to contribute, that is why I've made this thread, no? My intention isn't to drop out of society completely and stop paying taxes, all I simply want is to plan out my life and my career choice accordingly, so that I may contribute more effectively. As for the question I'm to ask myself, all I want are positive results. I won't deny that a pursuit of gratification plays a small role, but it's nothing but a small part of my motivation. I know what you're trying to convey through the question, but I can honestly say that this is about our advance and improvement as a society rather than some petty self-satisfaction.

 

[Pick|Choose]

http://youtu.be/chXsLtHqfdM

I'd recommend watching that video and absorb its message. Also who says you have to get your programming degree and go be some shill that does the 9-5 for thirty years? You could always use your programming skills to program some amazing new technology to better all mankind with a lot of other people around you of course, start your own company that fights pollution. Plenty of people volunteer and help out the world, my mother volunteers a lot for various charities. I hate to tell you this but all those things you mentioned the poverty, hunger, yadda, yadda have been part of humanity since forever. You cant save the world. You can however go build schools in Africa or south america if you really want to pitch in, you got two hands like you said. Go build homes somewhere in the world or help dig wells in impoverished countries. Go to school get your degree and get together with like minded people to go create some new amazing technology. There's plenty of ways you can volunteer your time to benefit others. Go work in a soup kitchen and help feed hungry down on their luck souls.

Thanks for linking the video, it's really eye-opening.

The things you've mentioned are all things that have crossed my mind. I do occasionally volunteer in my community, but I am looking for something more long-term. The problem I have is that I am undecided in which direction I want to head in. There are so many problems that need attention that I'm not sure what to invest myself into.

 

[Albino Boo]

I gotta hand it to you, you're a great de-motivational speaker, but I fail to see how the first statement's true. Making education more accessible to children in Africa would be far more beneficial than the small fraction of money a person might receive from me buying flowers (not that I'm opposed to the idea. I would help any way I can, I just believe setting up proper schooling would be more valuable). You speak as if I owe my life to the Western world, but nobody has worked hard for MY education or MY health care. I doubt anybody cares about me specifically unless I'm considered under a statistic. I DO want to contribute, that is why I've made this thread, no? My intention isn't to drop out of society completely and stop paying taxes, all I simply want is to plan out my life and my career choice accordingly, so that I may contribute more effectively. As for the question I'm to ask myself, all I want are positive results. I won't deny that a pursuit of gratification plays a small role, but it's nothing but a small part of my motivation. I know what you're trying to convey through the question, but I can honestly say that this is about our advance and improvement as a society rather than some petty self-satisfaction.

Mate 600 million people lifted out poverty means in one generation people have gone from being illiterate peasant farmers to sending their children to university. Peasant farmers need the children to work the fields, factory workers don't. The growth in the economy from increased trade and higher wages means increased taxes. This means in turn more money for public spending on things like schools. One person spending 5 euros isn't much but 100 million spending 5 euros is a far greater effect than one person spending 10000 euros on one school. The market economy has helped more people out poverty than 5o years of charity works. Economic growth means better access to education and schools.


Like it or not you are product of western society. Who do you think paid for your education and health care up to now, the tooth fairy? Your entire life has been subsidised by taxpayers. The guys picking up the rubbish and cleaning the toilets have contributed money towards you your lifestyle. Quite frankly it is rather solipsistic to ignore that fact. 10000s of people have got up every day for year after in unpleasant jobs and paid tax and now you think that you are under no obligation to pay your own way. While you are planning your perfect life, someone is making sure the sewer under your home doesn't get blocked. Why do you think they are doing this, for the fun or to pay their own way in life. What makes you more important than the guy that drives the bus or works in the sewage treatment plant.

 

[Pick|Choose]

I gotta hand it to you, you're a great de-motivational speaker, but I fail to see how the first statement's true. Making education more accessible to children in Africa would be far more beneficial than the small fraction of money a person might receive from me buying flowers (not that I'm opposed to the idea. I would help any way I can, I just believe setting up proper schooling would be more valuable). You speak as if I owe my life to the Western world, but nobody has worked hard for MY education or MY health care. I doubt anybody cares about me specifically unless I'm considered under a statistic. I DO want to contribute, that is why I've made this thread, no? My intention isn't to drop out of society completely and stop paying taxes, all I simply want is to plan out my life and my career choice accordingly, so that I may contribute more effectively. As for the question I'm to ask myself, all I want are positive results. I won't deny that a pursuit of gratification plays a small role, but it's nothing but a small part of my motivation. I know what you're trying to convey through the question, but I can honestly say that this is about our advance and improvement as a society rather than some petty self-satisfaction.

Mate 600 million people lifted out poverty means in one generation people have gone from being illiterate peasant farmers to sending their children to university. Peasant farmers need the children to work the fields, factory workers don't. The growth in the economy from increased trade and higher wages means increased taxes. This means in turn more money for public spending on things like schools. One person spending 5 euros isn't much but 100 million spending 5 euros is a far greater effect than one person spending 10000 euros on one school. The market economy has helped more people out poverty than 5o years of charity works. Economic growth means better access to education and schools.


Like it or not you are product of western society. Who do you think paid for your education and health care up to now, the tooth fairy? Your entire life has been subsidised by taxpayers. The guys picking up the rubbish and cleaning the toilets have contributed money towards you your lifestyle. Quite frankly it is rather solipsistic to ignore that fact. 10000s of people have got up every day for year after in unpleasant jobs and paid tax and now you think that you are under no obligation to pay your own way. While you are planning your perfect life, someone is making sure the sewer under your home doesn't get blocked. Why do you think they are doing this, for the fun or to pay their own way in life. What makes you more important than the guy that drives the bus or works in the sewage treatment plant.

Nowhere have I said that I am more important than the people that do their daily job. Neither am I denying that I'm a product of the western society. You seem to be under the impression that I just don't want to do work, and want to live out my life on a cushion. Well, I DO want a job. I DO want to contribute. And I AM willing to put in a lot of effort and work hard. The point of this thread is to simply help me figure out the most effective way to achieve that goal.

 

[Albino Boo]

Nowhere have I said that I am more important than the people that do their daily job. Neither am I denying that I'm a product of the western society. You seem to be under the impression that I just don't want to do work, and want to live out my life on a cushion. Well, I DO want a job. I DO want to contribute. And I AM willing to put in a lot of effort and work hard. The point of this thread is to simply help me figure out the most effective way to achieve that goal.

Unless you are a one in 100 million person then the best way to contribute is to just get on with it. Live a normal life and pay your own way. The collective effect of billions of people doing just that will have a far greater effect than anything that you can achieve on your own. Get a job, remain informed about the world and vote according to your conscience. Thats it, that is all the vast majority of the human race gets to do.

 

[Kuilui]

http://youtu.be/chXsLtHqfdM

I'd recommend watching that video and absorb its message. Also who says you have to get your programming degree and go be some shill that does the 9-5 for thirty years? You could always use your programming skills to program some amazing new technology to better all mankind with a lot of other people around you of course, start your own company that fights pollution. Plenty of people volunteer and help out the world, my mother volunteers a lot for various charities. I hate to tell you this but all those things you mentioned the poverty, hunger, yadda, yadda have been part of humanity since forever. You cant save the world. You can however go build schools in Africa or south america if you really want to pitch in, you got two hands like you said. Go build homes somewhere in the world or help dig wells in impoverished countries. Go to school get your degree and get together with like minded people to go create some new amazing technology. There's plenty of ways you can volunteer your time to benefit others. Go work in a soup kitchen and help feed hungry down on their luck souls.

Thanks for linking the video, it's really eye-opening.

The things you've mentioned are all things that have crossed my mind. I do occasionally volunteer in my community, but I am looking for something more long-term. The problem I have is that I am undecided in which direction I want to head in. There are so many problems that need attention that I'm not sure what to invest myself into.

No problem, glad you liked it, thought you would. Well if I was you I'd look into various types of work that gives back to the population in a big way and see which one appeals to you most, which you could do the most work with and which is the most feasible. Even if you just start off small in whatever you choose it doesn't have to start off huge. You got to make contacts,friends,acquaintances,etc typically more often then not before getting involved in bigger projects.

 

[Baron Teapot]

You should volunteer. There are seniors in your community who could benefit from simple things, like visiting every couple of days to talk to them, accompany them out on walks and help do their shopping.

Get a job. Sadly, you sound like all entitled rich kids. "Woe, the world is so horrible, yet nobody does ANYTHING with their lives!"

Have you ever tried to raise kids? It's not an easy job. The reason that very few other people do more than pay taxes, work and raise families is because it's incredibly time-consuming, full-time work that requires your full attention. From what you're saying, you've yet to get a job, move out, or do any of those things.

So, start small: animal shelters need people to clean out their cages, businesses require canvassers to go door-to-door either selling or delivering pamphlets and flyers, hospitals need porters to push people around and so-on. Voluntary work is very rewarding, and you won't be getting paid, but it tells future employers that you're serious, reliable and capable of holding down work. I'm not kidding when I say that it's very rewarding, you'll likely make friends and gain something for your resumé further down the line.

If you're good at it, you may even decide to make it the focus of your career. It's possible to prepare for and get a paying job after working hard in a voluntary position, and though it may sound easy now, you will soon be dog-tired. Good luck. It's a plan with no drawbacks!

 

[Raikas]

Well, I DO want a job. I DO want to contribute. And I AM willing to put in a lot of effort and work hard.

So contribute. You're right, one person can't change the big international issues, but what's wrong with starting locally? As the poster above me said, go volunteer somewhere. You don't mention what country/city you're in, but surely there are some local organizations where you can help with things on a micro-level.

Find a group that will let you tutor some orphans, or read books to some elderly blind people, serve food to homeless people, take street dogs and train them to be therapy dogs, teach refugees to speak the local language, join the cleaning crew for local environmental areas, whatever. Those are all things that one person can do.