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The focus of this paper is to provide an analysis on Albert Einstein’s Question which states. Does mankind today place more value on commodity or on self. The paper provides an argument in support of my stance on the issues. Human beings have indeed changed their priorities thus placing self interest before the greater good of society.
Albert Einstein is one of the most significant scientists of all time. Most of his work was dedicated to the growth and sustainability of the society. Einstein is known for his quotes that sort to challenge social-cultural norms in the community. One of the statements addresses the change from the socialist way of life to the individualistic way of life. In the past, society worked had so as to fulfill objectives aimed at their personal growth. The study of the work of a majority of the philosophers is dedicated to personal fulfillment and self actualization. Concentrating on oneself involves leaning about ones soul. One of the deeds that bring satisfaction to human beings is serving of society (Seligman, p. 127).
“The individual feels more than ever dependent on society, but he feels this dependence not in the positive sense — cradled, connected as part of an organic”.
When individuals dedicate themselves to working towards the benefit of a community they get self satisfaction and self worth. The responsibility to society is expected so as to improve the growth of the community. Most cultures place emphasis on performing good so as to improve the relationships between family and friends. Cultures are prone to change due to the change in social cultural aspects. The introduction of globalization changed the dynamics of most societies. People were exposed to new inventions and innovations that improve the quality of life as a whole. The spread of globalization resulted in the shift from socialism to capitalism. Capitalism involves policies that support the personal growth and development in regard to economic, social and cultural policies. Individuals can maximize on their wealth as much as they can as long as they use legal means. This is contrary to the socialism system that encourages society to work for the benefit of the whole community. People thus place emphasis on their personal desires as opposed to basic needs like happiness and love (Velkley, p. 109).
Commodities are assets that can be bought or sold in any given market. People have been trading commodities from the ancient days. Barter trade was the preferred medium of trade; it involves the exchanged of goods for goods. This was a simple form of trade aimed at sustaining the communities. As people began to interact, the methods of trade developed into more complex activities. Traders begun to produce goods and services that were competitive in nature. This in turn led to the improvement of the quality of goods in the market.
Commodities have changed from their simple nature to more complex and differentiated items. Most commodities are created to meet other needs apart from their primary function. An example of this is the use of the cell phone. Cell phones are a product of technological developments in terms of communication. Cell phones are primarily intended to improve the communication between people in different locations. Over the years, the commodity has been developed to include services such as internet, GPRS and entertainment services. This is reflective of the demands that society places on manufacturers. An immense amount of value is placed on physical items as opposed to emotional and personal features (Velkley, p. 211).
People are thus less interactive with each other due to the shift in priorities of society. The focus on self is ideal for the recognition of the people in the surrounding environment. Human beings are social creatures in that they are more sustainable when they work as a community. The value of self does not regard the value of commodities and thus makes them the least of priorities. Focusing on personal development and education is encouraged to improve the relationship between different individuals. This in turn promotes love and understanding in regard to different ideologies (Seligman, p. 312).
Reducing the need for material goods makes an individual realize the value of the basic things in life. One can have all the wealth in the world but lose their friends, family and respect. This achievement does not amount for allot thus displays the lack of value of commodities. Society continues to forget the significant of self as opposed to commodity. Some argue that commodity is equally as essential as self. This places an immense amount on pressure on individuals to achieve these items. Research has shown that people who value commodities lose out on the basic factors such as family and relationships. These elements may be simple in nature but account for 90 percent of a human beings life (Seligman, p. 234).
In conclusion, the world continues to change, values continue to change. More and more people are beginning to realize that commodities are not as significant as they look. Society should encourage the value of self so as to change the current situation. This in turn will improve the state of the globe which has a lot to be desired.
Works cited
Seligman, Martin E. P. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being. New York: Free Press, 2011. Print.
Velkley, Richard. The Tension in the Beautiful: On Culture and Civilization in Rousseau and German Philosophy. Being after Rousseau: Philosophy and Culture in Question. The University of Chicago Press. 2002.Print.
