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Ethics

Let's say John hears from others that he seems perfect for some job/field, or a natural at that job/field. "You really ought to do this or that." Further, John is aware that he is very skilled at that activity, and would be a natural at it (in other words, it's not just mom's wishful thinking that her son should be a doctor). However, John has no interest in pursuing this field, and would rather do something else. Does he owe it to the world at large to follow the unwanted path and do great things for humanity?
Accepted:
December 12, 2005

Comments

Lynne Rudder Baker
December 29, 2005 (changed December 29, 2005) Permalink

You can't be sure that if you follow the unwanted path, you'll end up doing great things for humanity. Life is too full of accidents and unforeseen turnings to predict that you'll do great things for humanity. In any case, I would not advise that you pursue a field in which you have no interest just because you are good at something. People are fortunate to find satisfaction in what they do. You do not have a general obligation to the world to pursue something in which you (already) do not expect find satisfaction.

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