“Is a life most virtuously spent working for the betterment of humanity, or is it enough to have     some fun, do some work, love a few people and try to be good?”  

This is the question Rose Curtland posed in The Book and the Brotherhood. My family has debated this question off and on for some 25 years. It's been an interesting insight into each other's opinions, core values, and personality traits. My writing buddy and I took up the assignment recently, putting forth an argument for the answer we believed to be the most virtuous way to approach life.

The question implies that there are only two answers. But when I began the writing assignment (50 words or less….ouch!!), I noticed for the first time that the question is neither mutually exclusive nor mutually inclusive. A life can certainly be called virtuous when lived for the betterment of humanity. But a life can also be called virtuous just as truthfully when someone "meets expectations."

I understand the premise. We should not squander our singularly greatest gift: the uniqueness that is each of us, embodied in a corporal shell--our soul's home here on Earth for some undetermined number of days. But who gets to define "virtuously spent?" Who gets to decide if it is “enough?” Will we trade papers? You grade my life and I'll grade yours?

 I believe the question itself is fallacious. All paths, if lived genuinely, have the possibility of leading to the same goal. Simple, unremarkable lives might not make headlines, but that has never been the litmus test for a life’s potential for influence.

So the answer to the question above is Yes. All of the Above. One answer does not preclude the other, and there are no “wrong” answers, except no answer at all.

 

When I leave this realm, I can honestly say I’ve had some fun, which I have tried to share with others. I’ve enjoyed meaningful work, which I did competently and with respect for those with whom I interacted. I’ve loved a few people, and I am hopeful my feelings helped them on their path to becoming who they are. I’ve tried to be good by making honest, rational and caring decisions, keeping in mind we are all on this ride together. Will I have "bettered" humanity? Maybe not. But I'm not grading the papers. None of us is, Rose, not even you.