Response to Mariah

Do you think that karma works hand-in-hand with the Golden Rule?

                I think Karma and the Golden Rule have slightly different implications. Karma is saying to be nice to others and good things will happen to you while the Golden Rule is saying treat others well because they are people with feelings just like you. One is based more on the consequences of actions and the other on being kind to people around you because as people they want you to. I suppose if you take the Golden Rule to mean that you should treat others well so that they will treat you well then it is the same idea as Karma but with more immediate results. If you treat others well they will be nice to you verse if you are a good person then your next life will be better. Both would be acting positively for the sake of real or perceived future rewards. Another difference between the two is that even though they have their origins in religion the Golden Rule makes sense and can be followed without any religious belief. It is only if Karma is taken as positive actions in this life will lead to positive consequences in this life that it will make sense without religion.

                How do the Golden Rule and Karma fit in with concepts of justice?

Harris Video

This is a good video to get a sense of Sam Harris's arguments without having to read one of his books. He rationally answers questions about his views on religion and addresses his strong views on Islam in particular where he has said most Muslims are "utterly deranged." It is part of a debate, but the first six minutes are just Harris and most of the video is him speaking. It is one part of a debate, but a good start on understanding his perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5og-hyD3A7A
What do you think of the ideas Harris puts forth?

Response to Cameron

If you never reach a dream but are happy at your menial labor job are you better off than someone who is stressed but reaches their dreams?

                I think this is dependent on the person. If someone is truly happy at a menial job then this is a great place for them to be, but reaching ones dreams is also an excellent place to be. It is possible that someone who reaches their dreams will either be dissatisfied with the results of their dreams or will create new dreams once they have achieved the previous ones. If a person is not happy having achieved their dreams or stresses themselves out with new ones, they would probably be better off in the menial position. I think the greatest thing that people can strive towards is finding a way to be happy in life. I do not know that many people would be happy spending their life in a menial job, but if they are then they have found a good way to live their life. Also, having goals that cause stress is not necessarily a bad thing. Working to achieve a goal can be a fun process and a great learning experience. Achieving the goal would give people a boost in self-esteem and a sense of satisfaction. It could also make them happy. Even failing at a goal can provide worthwhile life experiences and a chance to develop new dreams and goals in life. I wonder if someone at a menial job would be happier than someone who has achieved their goals. I think most people dream of a life beyond manual labor and if the manual laborer is happy it is probably because of something outside of their job. I do not think they would necessarily become less happy if they also worked towards a goal beyond manual labor.

                Does success tend to make people happier?