Teen Talk
“Thank you notes are important.”“Why, Mom?”
“They tell someone you appreciate their thoughtfulness.”
“Can I appreciate them with a tweet?”
In I Am Legend, Will Smith plays a scientist who elects to remain in Manhattan amongst hordes of rabid New Yorkers (much like in real life). The sick creatures were affected by a virus mistakenly created to cure cancer. Although Smith’s family has died and he believes that he may be the last person in New York not infected, he continues working toward a cure.
On one level, the movie is a monster adventure that pits Smith against his night-stalking neighbors. On another level, the movie is a science fiction story that asks whether man’s arrogance will destroy our world. On yet another level, the move suggests historic periods of mass hysteria when entire populations were swept up in fear expressed through irrational, ugly behavior. Think Salem witch trials, McCarthyism, or Islamophobia. At its core, the movie asks why someone would act selflessly.
At first, we are led to believe that Smith’s altruism originated from a stubborn desire to complete his work. Ultimately, he describes being motivated to find a cure by a fierce drive to preserve the human species. In Ethical Culture, we believe that good deeds emanate from relationships. That is, we are willing to assist others because it meets our basic needs for trust, mutuality, safety, and companionship. Meeting these needs gives our lives meaning.
On one level, the movie is a monster adventure that pits Smith against his night-stalking neighbors. On another level, the movie is a science fiction story that asks whether man’s arrogance will destroy our world. On yet another level, the move suggests historic periods of mass hysteria when entire populations were swept up in fear expressed through irrational, ugly behavior. Think Salem witch trials, McCarthyism, or Islamophobia. At its core, the movie asks why someone would act selflessly.
At first, we are led to believe that Smith’s altruism originated from a stubborn desire to complete his work. Ultimately, he describes being motivated to find a cure by a fierce drive to preserve the human species. In Ethical Culture, we believe that good deeds emanate from relationships. That is, we are willing to assist others because it meets our basic needs for trust, mutuality, safety, and companionship. Meeting these needs gives our lives meaning.
Marv
Member, Northern Virginia Ethical Society
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