Some opening definitions

I expect these ideas will change over the course of the semester, but here are our (excellent!) starting definitions from Tuesday's class.

What is necessary to make a life livable? What does livability entail?

·        -- Life is to be enjoyed, with moments of laughter, romance, experience, and knowledge. A life well lived entails the moderation of life’s most beautiful gifts, but each person is also obligated to contribute to the society to which he or she belongs. Therefore, life must also be partially devoted to one’s community and country.

·       --  Aside from basics such as food, water, and shelter, I’d say love. A careful balance of autonomy and co-dependence, of self-sustaining growth and mutual harmony. No man is (always) an island.

·         I think that intangible things, specifically love and acceptance, make life livable. Of course, everyone needs food, water, shelter, healthcare, etc., but I think a livable life is one in which a person is fulfilled emotionally, physically, and mentally. Also, a harmony with the external world. Livability entails, in my opinion, not only basic necessities but things that allow a person to thrive and be content—safety, acceptance, and needs being met.

·      --   In order to make life livable, all people must be given an equal universal value. People also should have an understanding of other cultures, traditions, religions, etc., in order to live in harmony with others. Livability requires an equal ability to succeed for all people.

·        -- Empathy. Of course, all the necessities for survival. But, we need to work to give people opportunity to pursue their life’s purpose. Livable entails working and cooperating with others to learn about their needs/desires as well as your own. That way, we can develop and prosper through relationships and understanding of self and others. Living the life each individual wants to pursue in order to strive to be their best.

·         --Happiness. Livability means being comfortable in your own skin.

·         --What is necessary to make life livable? Meaning. Social purpose. What does livability entail? Meaningful endurance, if not pleasure. The promise, if not the reality, of recognition.

·        -- Basic needs: that is, food, water, and shelter, and either happiness or contentment are needed to make life livable. Livability entails being able to have what one needs without worry, and to be able to make something of it.

·        -- Basic needs being fulfilled (food, water, shelter) and a source of motivations (love, advancement, etc.). Livability: being able and wanting to continue going through life, I guess.

·       --  Having enough resources in order to provide yourself with some measure of stability and comfort. Fun, excitement, love for others. Freedom!!! Having reasonable comfort and resources. Providing opportunities; taking advantage of these options. Having comfort and people who love you.