# Do you believe that we have the responsibility to make the world better? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 6, 2010, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204 "2010-06-06T22:38:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/1 "2010-06-06T22:38:44Z")
Two poll questions here: 1. Do you believe that people in general have the ethical obligation to try to make the world better? 2. Do you believe that you personally have such an obligation? Please explain your answer. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/2 "2010-06-06T23:06:52Z")
Yes, and yes. Making the world better helps everyone; it is both a matter of self interest and benevolence to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/3 "2010-06-06T23:56:33Z")
I don’t believe in the existence of any “moral obligations” in the complete abstract–it’s just a meaningless concept to me. I do believe that members of a society have certain “moral obligations” vis-a-vis other members of that society, and I think the grounding for these obligations is essentially because membership in the society entails a contract among the members. When the terms of that contract are not spelled out explicitly, I think it is reasonable to infer terms that almost every member of that society can agree on. I don’t think that the obligation to make the society better is a necessary element of the social contract that created the society. So, I voted no to both the personal and universal elements of the poll. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/4 "2010-06-07T00:01:15Z")
No and no. This does not mean that I would chose to do otherwise, just that it is a matter of choice, rather than a duty. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/5 "2010-06-07T00:28:18Z")
I don’t think everyone has to make it better, but I don’t think anyone should go out of their way to make it worse. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/6 "2010-06-07T00:35:09Z")
We have no duty to make the world better but we do have a duty to not make it worse. Personally I try to improve my little corner of the world but only to the extent that it doesn’t make my life worse. I don’t believe I have a duty to sacrifice myself for others. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/7 "2010-06-07T00:49:06Z")
No and no, due to the Law of Unintended Consequences, any well-meaning actions are likely to have an opposite effect. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/8 "2010-06-07T00:55:52Z")
Yes, and yes > [@ghardester](#): > > No and no, due to the Law of Unintended Consequences, any well-meaning actions are likely to have an opposite effect. how does that work? If you try to make the world better you are more likely than not to make it worse? Does that apply to any other goal you have too? If you try to make yourself wealthy you are more likely to make yourself poor? If not, why not. ---
**Author:** ![Roland\_Orzabal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@Roland\_Orzabal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Orzabal)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/9 "2010-06-07T01:14:40Z")
What **Oakminster** said, more or less. Morally speaking, the only obligation of the individual is to avoid intentional harm to other individuals. It could be argued that that does constitute an improvement over the status quo, but I’m assuming the OP is referring to an obligation to actively help others, which places the question firmly in the realm of personal ethics. ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/10 "2010-06-07T01:21:18Z")
Yes and Yes. Are you “no” votes hung up on the word “obligation”? I can’t imagine a society where everyone was not obligated to make at least their little corner of the world world a better place. Where I digress from a lot of other do-gooders is the definition of “better”. I strongly object to inflicting my “better” onto anyone else. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/11 "2010-06-07T01:27:54Z")
> [@Ruby](#): > > I strongly object to inflicting my “better” onto anyone else. How do you avoid doing that exactly? “Better” is in the eye of the beholder, after all. For example, Der Trihs’s idea of a better USA is much different than mine. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/12 "2010-06-07T01:35:48Z")
I don’t believe we have an obligation, no. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/13 "2010-06-07T01:46:33Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > For example, Der Trihs’s idea of a better USA is much different than mine. If he comes to power, I’d expect to be shot against the nearest wall. And if I wasn’t, I’d likely be seizing power and not failing to put obvious potential troublemakers against said wall asap. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/14 "2010-06-07T01:49:42Z")
It’s great if people do things that make things better, but I believe our only _obligation_ is not to make the world worse. > [@Oakminster](#): > > If he comes to power, I’d expect to be shot against the nearest wall. And if I wasn’t, I’d likely be seizing power and not failing to put obvious potential troublemakers against said wall asap. No worries there. He has too much conviction and is far too consistent to make it in politics. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/15 "2010-06-07T02:01:10Z")
In peace studies, the key to having a peaceful society is to have everybody believe in the same basic values. It makes no sense, for example, if a person who believes in a sanctity of life is murdered. Also, while it is possible for a single person to protect themselves, all of us come to a point where we are relying on others for our safety. For example, you might be able to shield your child from bullet fire, but if you are at work and your child is at school, the people around your child are the ones who are protecting them, not you. Therefore, it is everybody’s duty to make the world a better place. One person can’t do it alone. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/16 "2010-06-07T02:13:59Z")
> [@Superhal](#): > > One person can’t do it alone. I beg to differ. I am fully capable of feeding myself and potential family by hunting and farming. Could also make/grow various intoxicants or other useful things for barter goods. I am fully capable of teaching them to do the same things. It would certainly be easier if acceptable alliances could be formed, but not entirely necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/17 "2010-06-07T02:54:53Z")
> [@Aspidistra](#): > > how does that work? If you try to make the world better you are more likely than not to make it worse? Yes, exactly that. The **Law of Unintended Consequences** > **[What is the Law of Unintended Consequences?](https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-law-of-unintended-consequences.htm)** > > The law of unintended consequences explains the reasons why actions often have unexpected results. There are two main reasons... > **[The Law of Unintended Consequences - Marginal REVOLUTION](http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2008/01/the-law-of-unin.html)** > > Dubner and Levitt have an article in the NYTimes with three examples of the law of unintended consequences, the Americans with Disabilities Act made it more costly to hire people with disabilities and reduced their employment, ancient Jewish... > **[Unintended consequences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unintended_consequences)** > > In the social sciences, unintended consequences (sometimes unanticipated consequences or unforeseen consequences, more colloquially called knock-on effects) are outcomes of a purposeful action that are not intended or foreseen. The term was popularized in the 20th century by American sociologist Robert K. Merton. > Unintended consequences can be grouped into three types: > The idea of unintended consequences dates back at least to John Locke who discussed the unintended consequences of interest ... It is quite prevalent, though counter-intuitive. ---
**Author:** ![sinjin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@sinjin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sinjin)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/18 "2010-06-07T03:00:33Z")
First off, just to set the record straight, I am a strong atheist. I voted that I have an obligation to try to make the world better. I do it not because of faith in some deity but because of my faith and trust in our shared humanity. I believe we should do the right thing because it’s the _right_ thing to do, we shouldn’t do it just to please some god who may or may not exist. If we have to rely on a god to tell us what is right and just we are no more than animals who are at the command of and subject to superior beings. If my fellow humans fail me, so be it. It’s their failing not mine. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/19 "2010-06-07T03:13:12Z")
Yes and yes. ---
**Author:** ![Tethered\_Kite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a5b964/32.png) [@Tethered\_Kite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tethered_Kite)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204/20 "2010-06-07T03:21:38Z")
No, I don’t believe anyone is obligated to try to make the world a better place. But I think anyone who doesn’t try to improve himself and his situation with consideration for those whom his beliefs and behavior affects is a foolish person. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-that-we-have-the-responsibility-to-make-the-world-better/542204.md?page=2)