I'd like to discuss the belief of humanism with you all and exchange thoughts and possibly critiques related to it.
What I'm referring to is, to use a cliché, the "inherent good" in all of humanity. However, that's not really what I want to talk about, because in my opinion it's overused and, frankly, boring. I'd like to talk about the merits of possible extrapolations from that idea. I tend to trust people to a very large degree because of that goodness I typically see. Unless my best friend--who is a renowned cynic-- points out someone's deception to me, I won't really be able to see it. Is that a good mode of thought? Or is it more destructive than helpful? I'd argue that even if one were to behave cruelly, there's a definite underlying cause, and mistrusting people only inflames that.
I'd like to be careful and say that I in no way consider myself superior because of this worldview-- I know that I'm pretty naive. I'd like to be careful and distinguish naivete from ignorance, though; I do know if people have done bad things in the past (I'm in high school; the rumor mill flourishes), but I choose to ignore that and really emphasize the fundamental capacity for goodness.
Does any of you share a similar viewpoint? Or do you possibly consider me horribly idealist to a destructive extent? I'm curious about this, because I was at a large social gathering just now and I really do pick up on the positive energy of others well.
What I'm referring to is, to use a cliché, the "inherent good" in all of humanity. However, that's not really what I want to talk about, because in my opinion it's overused and, frankly, boring. I'd like to talk about the merits of possible extrapolations from that idea. I tend to trust people to a very large degree because of that goodness I typically see. Unless my best friend--who is a renowned cynic-- points out someone's deception to me, I won't really be able to see it. Is that a good mode of thought? Or is it more destructive than helpful? I'd argue that even if one were to behave cruelly, there's a definite underlying cause, and mistrusting people only inflames that.
I'd like to be careful and say that I in no way consider myself superior because of this worldview-- I know that I'm pretty naive. I'd like to be careful and distinguish naivete from ignorance, though; I do know if people have done bad things in the past (I'm in high school; the rumor mill flourishes), but I choose to ignore that and really emphasize the fundamental capacity for goodness.
Does any of you share a similar viewpoint? Or do you possibly consider me horribly idealist to a destructive extent? I'm curious about this, because I was at a large social gathering just now and I really do pick up on the positive energy of others well.