GenZ , Society and Ethics

Have you ever believed that selfishness is justified? I certainly did at one point in my life. It's uncomfortable to reflect on your past self and realize you were misguided. However, the fulfillment that comes from analyzing your past with a new perspective far outweighs the guilt.

As a member of Gen Z, I was born into a comparatively liberal and individualistic world, one that has continued to evolve alongside my own personal growth. We, as a generation, often display a tendency to challenge socially accepted values and norms, and in many ways, this is necessary for building a progressive society. Certain injustices, such as caste discrimination or discrimination against women, must be confronted with passion and resolve.

However, there are also certain traditions and norms that should be accepted and respected. Often, we perceive society as an obstacle to our individual desires. This raises two important questions: Are we truly aware of the reasons behind some social norms and values before we oppose them? And do we challenge these norms to fulfill our own desires, or are we motivated by a genuine desire to address injustices faced by others?

Socrates and the Youth 

This tension between questioning social norms and understanding their necessity is not new. In ancient Greece, a similar issue arose where the youth often challenged societal norms without fully understanding their purpose. This problem stemmed from the belief that there is no absolute right or wrong, and that morality is entirely subjective. However, Socrates offered a different perspective. He argued that ethical questions are inherently political because humans are social beings living within a community. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that some actions are indeed right or wrong, not just based on personal beliefs but also in the context of their impact on society.

The Pursuit of Happiness in an Hedonistic Age 

In our highly hedonistic, individualistic society, the pursuit of personal happiness often drives us to act impulsively. This relentless quest for fulfillment, without any regard for limitations, can lead us down a path of seeking pleasure in every possible form. Whether through material possessions, love, or sex, we search endlessly for that fleeting sense of satisfaction. However, in this frenzied pursuit, we often overlook an essential truth: the pursuit of happiness, when done ruthlessly and without boundaries, can ultimately lead to more pain than we originally faced. In the aftermath of these overly excited states, we may find ourselves more unfulfilled and more broken than before.

" All the Biological Pleasures Arise From Pain "

One of the challenges facing Generation Z, including myself, is our tendency to seek pleasure without restraint. In our pursuit of immediate gratification through material possessions, love, sex, and other experiences, we often lose sight of the importance of moderation and self-control. This unchecked desire for pleasure can lead to feelings of emptiness and alienation. When we continuously chase after fleeting moments of happiness, we may find ourselves disconnected from deeper, more meaningful aspects of life. Over time, this can result in a sense of frustration and even self-loathing, as we grapple with the realization that our relentless pursuit of pleasure has left us feeling purposeless.

Moral Classes and Schooling

Of course, we had moral science textbooks and teachers. But the interesting thing was that the teachers who taught those subjects weren't actually following the principles they taught, which made me realize that moral principles can be violated for personal benefit. There were times during my schooling and college days when I enjoyed certain privileges. The very moment you enjoy a privilege is often the same moment someone else is facing injustice, often blatant injustice because of you. For me, selfishness felt like a kind of happiness because those around me showed me that there was nothing wrong with being that way. It took me a while to realize how I could be such a person without empathy and still justify it. The truth is that being an unethical human being doesn't just affect you; it impacts society as well. You might think it's only about you, but it isn't. You are a person with social responsibilities.

"Clean yourself first; only then can you fight for others."

The Need to be Ethical 

The need to be ethical is something that helps us deal with challenges. Ethical principles limit us. They truly impose restrictions, guiding us on what to do and what not to do.

And coming to the questions I asked: Why are certain things there? Before opposing any social or moral norm, we should consider the actual necessity of that norm. Breaking it may definitely satisfy my short-term pleasure, but that is where I might start opposing every minor rule for my own pleasure. The consequences of this can consume my life entirely. Rules limit us, but there should be a limit.

And the second question is whether breaking a rule is really necessary. Is it for my own benefit, or is it to benefit a larger population as a whole? In these situations, I should act more rationally.This is a question you must address when you hold power or a relevant position where every decision you make will impact a larger sector.

Society is not our enemy; rather, we are integral to it. Embracing a purely individualistic mindset is misguided and unjustifiable. It's essential to have ethical values and boundaries. While I wouldn't suggest extreme measures like Socrates' choice to drink hemlock, it's crucial for Gen Z to uphold ethical standards and acknowledge our mistakes to foster a cooperative and harmonious society.

( Written By Aathmeeya Anil. Currently Pursuing Graduation in Political Science,SN College Chempazhathy, University of Kerala )