Does everyone need something to get angry about?

Question

Occasionally I'll see answers to the effect of "Just get on with your life," in reference to whichever movement I'm discussing at the time. But I have found that before I started caring about any cause at all, my life was pretty stagnant. The happiest and most successful people I know are also politically engaged in one way or another. I think recognizing the injustices that exist in this world makes you appreciate what you have more.

Do you have a similar experience?

Answer 1

Actually, no - I don't think that you need to get angry about something in order for your life to have meaning.  You can become involved with something - anything - without focussing on the negatives or the injustices.  For example, if you love animals, you can volunteer at a shelter and do some good - versus those who get involved in movements to protect and save animals.  Amazingly, I find those people who spend their time WITH the animals, rather than working FOR the animals are much happier.  And - at the end of the day - I"m looking to be happy, not just engaged!

Answer 2

So you think the people with the happiest lives are the people with more cares? I'm going to have to disagree with you there. I believe people who have less worries are generally much happier.

Answer 3

I believe that those who lack passion for a cause, also lack passion for life.  There is no better feeling than being swept away, whether by joy or for  a just cause.

Answer 4

Be careful Rio...if you alert the masses who are just "getting on with life" there might be a mass revolution.  I'm quite passionate about a few select things such that even the mention of those topics that my spine tingles.

Answer 5

Most people who are really into causes seem like they would be lost without them.  A lot of them don't have kids. Kids and family seem to balance people's priorities.  A lot of us want to save the world when we're young but then we sober up once we've had a taste of real responsibility.

Answer 6

I agree with what you are saying, but on this board replace the cause with religion and you are ridiculed.

Answer 7

I think that would only apply to those middle class and upward. Many people don`t have the luxury of time and excess energy that they could put into a cause. Working class people are absorbed by their own cause, just getting by.

A cause or movement seems to me like a positive, energizing and fulfilling thing to be involved with, if you have the luxury of being economically free enough to involve with it.

Answer 8

I don't think it has to be anything political or a cause necessarily. It just has to be something that is important to you, or something you have a passion for.

Mine is the outdoors and climbing, and music, if I am doing one of those I am extremely happy.

Answer 9

I have a lot of interests, but I don't get angry. I get passionate. There is a difference between anger and passion. Anger is displeasure about something. Passion is a lot of enthusiasm for something.

Recognizing what you have can make you want more. There is a passion to get what you want. At the same time, if a person is pessimistic, it can make them feel cheated and create anger.

Answer 10

Nope.  Worrying about things gives me wrinkles.  The only reason that it seems people are getting "angry" or passionate about anything is because they have something to do.  Things like thinking other people will sabotage your name or report you or environmental issues like getting rid of dihydrogen monoxide.  If people getting angry or worrying themselves over problems makes them happy...far be it to take away what joy they have :).

Chaa...no one's happy with just "living" anymore.