sith_happened: (Anakin: intense)
Anakin Skywalker ([personal profile] sith_happened) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2008-09-15 10:58 pm
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Ethics [Tuesday, September 16, 2nd period]

When the students came into the classroom, they found Anakin scrawling a quote on the board:

“In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.”--John Ruskin

He turned around with an eyebrow raised. "Is Master Ruskin correct? How about Master Lao Tzu? He said: 'Pride attaches undue importance to the superiority of one's status in the eyes of others; and shame is fear of humiliation at one's inferior status in the estimation of others. When one sets his heart on being highly esteemed, and achieves such rating, then he is automatically involved in fear of losing his status.'"

He began pacing around the room. "Does pride always go before a fall? Do we have to be humiliated before we can learn? How high do the stakes have to be before we'll admit we've made a mistake, or have been fooled?"

"In order to deal ethically with other people, we need to acknowledge this very human flaw in ourselves and others. We want to believe that we are different, better than everyone around us." His gaze sharpened. "We're not. Everything is connected. You, me, the desks, the rocks outside, the deer in the preserve, the annoying person in the dorm who plays their music too loudly. Take pride in being yourself, certainly," he concluded. "But don't for a moment believe that who you are makes you more than the person sitting next to you. Because that kind of pride is where you make your first mistake."

Re: Answer discussion question #1 [9/16]

[identity profile] noboynextdoor.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Jess was thinking of Peter and his overwhelming pride, but now that Anakin was talking to him, his list doubled in size. "There's a few," he said. "People who think they can never be wrong, even when a wrong answer stares them in the face."

Re: Answer discussion question #1 [9/16]

[identity profile] noboynextdoor.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"You can try to get them to see the light, but some people are too stubborn for that. I haven't figured out a way that works on everyone, but if I do, I'll be sure to let you know," Jess said, watching Anakin with curiosity. "You know, you're looking awfully full of pride yourself. Are you trying to give us an example?"

Re: Answer discussion question #1 [9/16]

[identity profile] noboynextdoor.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Jess watched him go, and wondered if anything that could put a guy like that into a good mood could actually be a good thing.