NationStates Jolt Archive


Pay It Forward

Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 19:51
Saw the movie a long time ago, but I still think it contains an important and useful idea.

The movie is described here:
http://www.haro-online.com/movies/pay_it_forward.html

It's based on a book of the same title.

The idea is simple. You do something difficult for someone else, that they could not accomplish themselves. In return, they must do the same for three other people (not for you).

The idea is to make the world a better place.

I've been doing the difficult things for others that they could not accomplish themselves for a while now (you can really get into a rhythm).

Don't count on the government to make the world a better place. Do it yourself, now.
Psychotic Mongooses
17-11-2005, 19:55
*snip*.
Hippie :p
[NS]Olara
17-11-2005, 19:56
Hippie :p
Tofu is for tree-huggers. And they hate America.;)
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 19:58
Hippie :p

Not really a hippie idea. Could be Christian, but it's more basic than that. Sort of a Marxist idea without the intrusion of a government.

All around, a good idea. Life would be better if more people did this.
Eutrusca
17-11-2005, 19:59
Keep up the good work. At the very least, you will have helped a few people. :)
The Doors Corporation
17-11-2005, 20:01
That is right Cadet! It is up to US to make life better, not the government!
Psychotic Mongooses
17-11-2005, 20:03
Not really a hippie idea. Could be Christian, but it's more basic than that. Sort of a Marxist idea without the intrusion of a government.

All around, a good idea. Life would be better if more people did this.
OMG!! Marxists were the first hippies! :eek: :eek:

EEP! *runs for cover from evil totalitarian hippies*
Fass
17-11-2005, 20:04
Meh, I help people out enough already. My free time is my free time.
Smunkeeville
17-11-2005, 20:24
It is kinda weird how it works out too, I help people and I get help when I need it, from people I don't even know. I have come to the conclusion that sometimes I help people because I am selfish, I really want that help to be there when I need it, so I help people.










I am a bad person.:(
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 20:25
It is kinda weird how it works out too, I help people and I get help when I need it, from people I don't even know. I have come to the conclusion that sometimes I help people because I am selfish, I really want that help to be there when I need it, so I help people.

I am a bad person.:(

I do it because it feels good.
Psychotic Mongooses
17-11-2005, 20:29
I do it because it feels good.
So it makes you feel good? Then surely you are just doing it for your own ends then, and helping others for the sake of helping others doesn't come into it. ;)

Ah, the conundrum deepens.
Silliopolous
17-11-2005, 20:31
<snip>.

Let's see... Does "seeing the light" on behalf of all those poor Republican's who can't do so on their own count?

In return, I let them legislate morality for those others who are disinclined to do so....


Hey! You're right! It works!!

Using this method, the government DOESN'T make the world a better place!!!!


:D
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 20:35
Let's see... Does "seeing the light" on behalf of all those poor Republican's who can't do so on their own count?

In return, I let them legislate morality for those others who are disinclined to do so....


Hey! You're right! It works!!

Using this method, the government DOESN'T make the world a better place!!!!


:D


I am not in favor of legislating morality nor am I in favor of the government being in charge of aiding people (any more than is absolutely necessary). Government has a tendency to screw things up, and the more well-intentioned it appears, the more abusive it is.
Revasser
17-11-2005, 20:35
Yeah, I saw that movie. The cynic in my was wishing for some kind of large, comical cartoon anvil to fall of the kid and flatten him. Alas, 'twas not to be.

Is it theoretically a good idea? Sure. Would it ever work and become some kind worldwide utopian movement like it was in the movie? Nope. Human beings are too crappy. Maybe once we outgrow our unenlightened selfishness and what I like to call "assholeism", maybe. But if we did that, we wouldn't need any movement, would we?
Smunkeeville
17-11-2005, 20:36
I do it because it feels good.
I try to think that, or even that I do it because it is the right thing to do, but in the end the truth is that I do it, because if I needed help I would want it.

and it always turns out that when I need help, it's there.

you know it's like my husband says "there really is no unselfish act"
so why lie about it anyway?

If someone's car breaks down at the red light, I get out of my car and help them push. why? because I know that next time my car dies at the light someone will be around to help me push (they always are)
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 20:36
Is it theoretically a good idea? Sure. Would it ever work and become some kind worldwide utopian movement like it was in the movie? Nope.

Actually, it works quite well in real life. You should try it.

No, it's not a utopian movement. But if you're going to reduce the assholism in the world, you have to start somewhere.
Silliopolous
17-11-2005, 20:38
I am not in favor of legislating morality nor am I in favor of the government being in charge of aiding people (any more than is absolutely necessary). Government has a tendency to screw things up, and the more well-intentioned it appears, the more abusive it is.

So .... just so we're on the same page... you're saying that you tend to support Republicans because they seem the LEAST well-intentioned group in the hopes that this will somehow translate into them winding up being less abusive?


Interesting theory!!!

:p :D


Reminder to self: Why Yes! Word parsing CAN be fun!
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 20:44
So .... just so we're on the same page... you're saying that you tend to support Republicans because they seem the LEAST well-intentioned group in the hopes that this will somehow translate into them winding up being less abusive?

Interesting theory!!!

:p :D

Reminder to self: Why Yes! Word parsing CAN be fun!

I'm most interested in the electable party that thinks that domestic spending is a bad idea (I think that most government domestic programs are largely money-wasting exercises - most of the money going to government employees and contractors).

I was fond of the ideas put forth by Gingrich.

Not so enamored of Bush, since he seems to spend money like there's no tomorrow. But the Democratic Party is even worse in that regard - they promise their constituencies that more money will be spent.

I also believe that you can't legislate morality, even if you try. As an example, you can pass the Civil Rights Act, but it won't make people change their attitudes. You can have affirmative action, but people may not necessarily take advantage of it (seen this quite a bit).

In short, I am someone who believes that government, outside of the very narrowly defined powers defined in the US Constitution, has very little ability to solve problems - and the Founding Fathers knew this.
Sinuhue
17-11-2005, 20:46
The idea is simple. You do something difficult for someone else, that they could not accomplish themselves. In return, they must do the same for three other people (not for you).

You've got it all wrong...you're supposed to do something difficult to someone that they could not do to themselves. In return, they must do the same for three other people AND you. Sheesh. Get it straight!
Deep Kimchi
17-11-2005, 20:48
You've got it all wrong...you're supposed to do something difficult to someone that they could not do to themselves. In return, they must do the same for three other people AND you. Sheesh. Get it straight!
Go watch the movie again...
Sinuhue
17-11-2005, 20:49
Go watch the movie again...
Oh shit...sorry...I was thinking of the movie "Lay Her Forward". My bad.
Legless Pirates
17-11-2005, 21:04
Oh shit...sorry...I was thinking of the movie "Lay Her Forward". My bad.
Somehow I think that only works well for gay people :confused:
Sinuhue
17-11-2005, 21:06
Somehow I think that only works well for gay people :confused:
You're making silly assumptions about the number of people involved...and no one in that movie seemed to have a set preference...
Legless Pirates
17-11-2005, 21:20
You're making silly assumptions about the number of people involved...and no one in that movie seemed to have a set preference...
Well it's still one person doing.....something......to one (or more) people

From certain things the gender would have to be the say.....or you have to find an equivalent :p
Carnivorous Lickers
17-11-2005, 21:31
All silly bullshit and selfishness aside- I do what I can to help people. If I am able-Its the right thing to do. Little things from letting someone pull out in front of you while driving, to helping someone change a flat or jump start their car.
I saw a lady last summer on the Garden State Parkway-cars flying by her. SHe had a flat and was only 5 feet away from cars doing 75 mph plus, with a baby in the car. She didnt know what to do. Her husband was out of town and she didnt have a cel phone-she was waiting because she thought police or someone would eventually see her and stop. It was in the high 90s and very humid. It took me 10 minutes to change her tire and get her going. Who knows how long she would have waited for official help? Or someone could have hit her or her car?
If no one ever helps me with anything again in my life, it doesnt matter- it was still the right thing.
ANd maybe, someone will help my wife and kids continue on their way safely, at no cost and no danger.
Fischer Land
17-11-2005, 21:38
I try to think that, or even that I do it because it is the right thing to do, but in the end the truth is that I do it, because if I needed help I would want it.

and it always turns out that when I need help, it's there.

you know it's like my husband says "there really is no unselfish act"
so why lie about it anyway?

If someone's car breaks down at the red light, I get out of my car and help them push. why? because I know that next time my car dies at the light someone will be around to help me push (they always are)

I'm totally with you on this. I've noticed (as I'm sure many have), that when you help people with things be it small or large, it will come back to help you out. I have one friend who is always astonished that people will do things for me (pay for food, help me with work, etc) just because I ask - that's because I help people everytime I get the chance. It's a selfish reason but it also gives you a good feeling and I dont believe in altruism because everytime you help someone it will help you somehow anyways.
Nosas
17-11-2005, 21:45
Yeah, I saw that movie. The cynic in my was wishing for some kind of large, comical cartoon anvil to fall of the kid and flatten him. Alas, 'twas not to be.

Alas, that was the ending without a anvil present. :p
I thought the ending could have been happier. Why did he have to die!
Carnivorous Lickers
17-11-2005, 21:47
I've been setting an example for my kids to make this a way of life too. Charity isnt always donating a dollar here or there-its actions that help people too.
I feel my family and I have had overall good fortune in life to this point. Its good to share some of that with others.
I'm halfway through cleaning an elderly neighbors gutters now. Its a bigger job than I initially thought, but its simple.Her house is square, so its long gutters all the way around. I dont plan to accept any money from her. I have no idea what her financial position is-I do know her husband of 50 yrs just had a stroke and is wasting away in a nearby nursing home. We already give her rides here and there as needed. These are all little things for us to do, but make her life a hell of a lot easier.