Exercise 6

Five fun activities I’ve always wanted to do with friends, but have not done, include going to see a concert, taking a self-defense class, having a favorite movie marathon, going on a road trip, and camping. One of the activities I actually did with two of my close friends was having a movie marathon. Both of my friends came to my house, and we each brought our two favorite movies. The most fun part of the activity was being able to relax and watch great movies with two of my closest friends. I enjoyed the downtime spent with them, and they also said they had fun spending this time together. The greatest barrier that prevented us from doing this prior was finding a time that we could all hang out one day to watch roughly 12 hours of movies. Our schedules have become increasingly busy, and finding a time that we could all meet was fairly difficult. Although we couldn’t necessarily remove this barrier, we planned the day to hang out a week in advance so we would all be free. Taking time out of our busy lives to hang out and watch movies proved to be a nice way for all of us to catch up and spend more time together. Because the day proved to be enjoyable, my friends and I will plan to do this and other fun activities more often.

The first person I interviewed about male-female friendships was my mother. When I asked her if males and females could be friends, she said yes, particularly when both the male and female friends have their own love interests. She said this takes the pressure off of the friends to be in a relationship and/or fall in love. She added that if the friends do not have significant others, there is a higher probable cause that they will keep their friendship and their friendship will remain strong. When I interviewed my brother about this topic, he said that males and females could be friends, as long as they treat each other as same-gender friends. One of my brother’s best friends is a girl, and he said that he treats her “like one of the guys.” By doing so, they’re relationship stays on the friendship level. Also, he says that because their relationship is so close, and that she is like a sister to him, it would be strange to become boyfriend-girlfriend with her. He mentions that this concept can apply to many male-female friendships, and that not all are bound to date each other. When I interviewed one of my female friends, she said that if the male and female are very close friends, the threat of becoming boyfriend-girlfriend is greater. She said that if the two are very close, the more time they spend together the more they will be attracted to each other. She also mentions that if they are such great friends, they must have similar interests and personality types, which also increases their chances of becoming attracted to each other and dating. When I asked another female friend, she said that many male and female friends can maintain a friendship without becoming boyfriend-girlfriend, especially if there is no physical attraction involved and the friendship is well established. This means that the boy and girl know that they will only remain friends, and do not plan on taking their relationship any further. Lastly, after interviewing one of my male friends, he said that it is possible for male and female friends to develop feelings for each other, especially if they spend a lot of time together. However, it is possible to maintain a platonic relationship if they only view each other as friends, and only treat each other as friends. 

Exercise 5

This weekend I ran a laugh yoga session with my family, including my mother, father, two younger brothers, and some cousins. When running the session, I tried to use as many exercises as I could that we learned in class. For example, I had everyone go up to each other and shake hands while laughing. Also, I had the group members lift their arms up and laugh generously, make a laugh milkshake by adding different kinds of laughter, and say general, unamusing words and laugh as hard as possible at them. We also tried the rowboat laughing exercise and the centipede exercise. At the end of the session, I found that most of the group members found the laugh yoga session to be fun. I also learned that the younger kids had more fun doing the laugh yoga, because they enjoyed acting silly. My parents seemed a little uncomfortable throughout the session, and did not enjoy it as much. At the end, my dad said, “I don’t really think the laugh yoga session did anything for me, I thought the forced laughter aspect seemed a bit awkward.” My mom was a little bit less reluctant, but agreed with my dad by saying, “The session was amusing, but I don’t feel that I really got that into it.” On the other hand, one of my brothers explained, “I thought the laugh yoga was fun because it gave us the opportunity to be silly and laugh with each other. I enjoyed seeing everyone else laughing, and it became sort of contagious.” I think the session may have been better if everyone was closer in age, but I think overall the experience was a positive one. Most of the members seemed to be happier, and appreciated the opportunity to freely laugh.

I spent more time with my mom this weekend, and made a deposit in her emotional bank by doing nice things for her while she was sick. By doing so, my mother was very appreciative and seemed to be happier. I made her tea and soup, and watched a movie with her. The experience went well because we both enjoyed each other’s company, and she was grateful of the gestures I made. Although I enjoyed spending time with her, there were several barriers that prevented me from spending more time, such as having to finish homework, and playing with electronics. I think these barriers can be improved upon, but cannot be fully removed. When I told my mom I wanted to spend more time with her, she was happy but knew that these barriers existed. In order to diminish these barriers, I would have to spend less time using electronics, and have better time management in completing my homework so that I’m not struggling to finish it at the end of the night. This way, I will have more free time to spend with my mom, and other important people in my life that I do not get to spend enough quality time with. 

Movie Test

Part 1:

Throughout the film “As Good as It Gets,” the main characters Melvin, Carol, and Simon gradually develop relationships that promote cooperation. Towards the beginning of the movie, Melvin and Carol do not always get along, nor do Melvin and Simon. However, as the movie progresses the characters learn that they are happier and their lives are better when they are more compassionate and altruistic towards each other. For example, Melvin and Carol develop a deeper relationship when Melvin pays for a doctor for Carol’s son and gives her the kindest compliments. Also, Melvin and Simon are able to get along after Melvin brings Simon to Maryland to visit his parents, and even let’s Simon stay in his apartment. The characters prove that by cooperating and helping each other, their lives turn out better. They come to see the humanity in each other by realizing that each of them needs support, such as Melvin with his OCD, Carol with her sick son, and Simon with his parents and loss of his apartment. The characters realize that the best way to help each other is through compassion. By performing altruistic acts they come together to support each other in usual situations. By coming along with Melvin and Simon on the trip to Maryland, Carol listens to Simon’s childhood story and gives him more courage to face his parents. Also, they are able to come together after Melvin allows Simon to stay in his apartment when Simon has nowhere else to stay. The three diverse characters develop closer relationships towards the end of the film because of human compassion, cooperation, and altruism.

Part 2:

In the film, reciprocal altruism is illustrated when Melvin pays for the doctor to take care of Carol’s son because he wants Carol to return to work. This scene demonstrates reciprocal altruism because Melvin pays for the doctor, and expects in return that Carol will come back to work. He wants her to do so because he loves her and she is the only waitress that will put up with him. In the end, Carol does return to work. Reciprocal altruism is also demonstrated in the scene in which Carol gives Melvin a compliment when they are out to dinner, and expects a compliment back. In return, Melvin explains that although he is opposed to it, he has started to take his pills for OCD. He says to her, “you make me want to be a better man.” After receiving the kind compliment from Carol, Melvin reciprocates this kindness by giving her a compliment. The film also demonstrates the theory of kin selection in the scene when during her date, Carol goes to help her son Spencer with his asthma although she already knows that her mom is taking care of him. Despite the fact that she has to interrupt her date, she leaves to go help her son because it is her natural instinct to make sure he is all right, which illustrates kin selection. In addition to this scene, the scene in which Carol’s mother wants to take her out shows kin selection because her mother wants to make her daughter happy. Lastly, the film exemplifies the empathy-altruism hypothesis in the scene where Melvin allows Simon to stay in his apartment, because he has nowhere else to stay. Melvin becomes so empathetic that he loses sense of his own needs, such as not having anyone else in his apartment, especially Simon. 

Altruism and Psychological Egoism

Part One:

1. What essentially motivates humans to be altruistic and compassionate?

Some believe that humans act altruistically only to reap selfish benefits, as in the idea of universal egoism; however, there are several positive motivations that influence someone to be compassionate. For example, in Charles Darwin’s second theory of natural selection, he states that humans and animals have a motivation to cooperate and promote survival, because “helping is essential to life.” Also, humans have a motivation to help because doing so gives life meaning. For instance, in the book “Firehouse” by David Halberstam, firefighters claim that their motivation to help total strangers is to give their lives meaning, and to “do something of value, something that matters in the community” (pg. 66-67). Some people are also inspired by their religion or beliefs, as in the case of Keziah Furth, who helped people in Haiti after the earthquake. While in Haiti, one of Keziah’s greatest motivations was god. Lastly, many humans are motivated to help by their universe of obligation, in which they feel a sense of responsibility for specific people. This idea is mainly demonstrated in kin selection, in which altruism first occurs within kin, and the fact that parents have a strong motivation to make their kids happy.

2. Why did Darwin change his original theory of natural selection, and how does his new theory relate to human behaviors regarding altruism?

Darwin’s original theory explained that the primary concern of organisms was their own survival. However, Darwin later realized that cooperation increases the chance of survival, rather than competition. Meerkats demonstrate this theory because this species looks out for other animals, and gives warning signals to these animals if there is any sign of danger. Also, vampire bats demonstrate Darwin’s later theory because vampire bats that were able to obtain blood for food regurgitate the blood for those bats that were not able to obtain any. By acting altruistically, these animals are increasing their chances of survival. Darwin’s new theory relates to human behaviors regarding altruism because humans have “the desire to help one another even if it involves a cost to the helper.” For example, the firefighters risk their lives every day to increase the survival of other human beings. Darwin also discovered that individuals act for the good of the group. This theory relates to the concept of kin selection, in which people act for the well being of their family and friends. It also relates to the universe of obligation of humans, in which they first help their tribes/clan, then their theological groups, then the people of the same nationality. According to Darwin, by acting for the good of the group and cooperating between each other, both humans and animals will increase their chances of survival.

3. How does the concept of reciprocal altruism demonstrate the goodness of human nature?

Reciprocal altruism is when “an organism acts in a manner that temporarily reduces its fitness while increasing another organism’s fitness, with the expectation that kindness will be reciprocated.” It is proven that unselfishness activates the reward part in the brain, which shows that people feel rewarded when they help others, and often feel pleased when others help him or her. For example, in the Bememba Tribe, if someone breaks a rule, they are loved and praised instead of punished. By receiving kindness from their community, this person is more likely to reciprocate that kindness by not doing anything bad again. Also, in the liberty mutual adds, people act altruistically because they are pleased when someone else performs a kind act for them. Kindness is almost contagious in this way, and inspires others to do good deeds and reciprocate the kindness.

Part Two:

I think it is true that psychological egoism exists, for everyone in one way or another acts to satisfy their own needs. Especially considering that psychological egoism does not include selfishness, many people subconsciously act in their own self-interest. However, this does not mean that these people cannot have altruistic desires, and also act to benefit others. People are hard wired to be compassionate and will naturally help those in distress. For example, when you empathize with someone, “the stronger the empathy, the more likely you lose sense of your own needs and become more motivated to act.” Humans have the capacity to act in a way that benefits only themselves, but to also act in a way that benefits others. I think for the most part human behaviors naturally consist of both psychological egoism and altruism, for one’s desires can benefit themselves, as well as others. 

Exercise 4

There are many problems that I would like to address before I die, but one of the most important ones on my list is improving conditions in impoverished areas around the world. I would like to help raise money to buy necessary goods, such as food and materials for homes, for these places. I also hope to take part in service projects in these areas in order to improve the standard of living. This past summer I traveled to Ecuador, where 18 of my classmates and I worked to put down water pipes that would give clean water to an impoverished community. Helping out in this community made me feel accomplished, and has inspired me to do service projects in other poor communities around the world. According to Darwin in his later theory, “helping is essential to life.” This idea supports my goal of improving conditions in impoverished areas and increasing other peoples’ chances of survival. Along with completing service projects, I would also like to help sick animals, especially dogs, before I die. Having owned dogs my whole life, I feel a certain compassion towards them, and I feel a sense of responsibility for them. To help these canines, I hope to volunteer at the MSPCA. More specifically, one of my goals is to promote awareness about animal cruelty and how to put an end to it. In trying to attempt one of my solutions, I volunteered at a local animal shelter. By helping out at the shelter, I felt satisfied that my actions were contributing to the welfare of these dogs. By demonstrating prosocial behavior, specifically by helping out in impoverished communities and animal shelters, I hope to do good in the world before I die.

After keeping a record of the number of times I used the words “thank you” in one day, my grand total came to about 15. Growing up, my parents raised me with values that included saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in every suitable circumstance. During the course of a week, I tried to double the number of times that I said the words. I found this quite easy, because I was already so accustomed to saying thank you at every opportunity. Increasing the amount of times I said thank you seemed to make others more happy and satisfied with their actions, demonstrating the positive effects of reciprocity. For example, by saying thank you to someone who held the door open for me, he or she usually gave a kind “you’re welcome” or “no problem,” and appeared to be pleased with their action. Saying thank you more often had a positive effect on me because I realized there are some things I take for granted, like being able to cross the street safely with the help of a crossing guard. Recently, when a crossing guard allowed me to cross the street, I said thank you not just because I had to for this exercise, but because I actually appreciated the time this he was taking to make sure my brother and I could safely cross. After saying thank you, the officer smiled, which in turn made me feel better. I now notice all actions that are worth appreciation, and I make sure to share that appreciation. Doing so makes me happier, and by saying the two simple words “thank you,” I can make someone else happier.

Exercise 3

1.   burying my feet in the sand

2.   eating chocolate

3.   hanging out with my friends

4.   apple picking

5.   petting my dog

6.   baking

7.   going for a run

8.   taking a nap

9.   painting my nails

10.  wearing fuzzy socks

11.  cracking my back

12.  the smell of a new car

13.  reading a book for pleasure

14.  acing a test

15.  sitting in a hammock

16.  visiting family in Montreal

17.  watching a comedy

18.  wearing clothes that just came out of the dryer

19.  scented soap

20.  smelling flowers

21.  wearing sweatpants

22.  (attempting) to skip rocks

23.  scrapbooking

24.  jumping on a trampoline

25.  singing in the shower

26.  kayaking

27.  making people laugh

28.  going for a hike

29.  spending time with my family

30.  playing field hockey

31.  cuddling with my dog

32.  sleeping in late

33.  going shopping with my mom

34.  going out to dinner

35.  having a picnic

36.  playing board games

37.  drinking hot chocolate

38.  sitting by the fire

39.  shopping online

40.  having a sleepover with friends

41.  walking to Crescent Ridge

42.  falling asleep to the sound of rain

43.  collecting sea shells

44.  cleaning my room

45.  writing on my whiteboard

46.  driving my car

47.  listening to music

48.  carving a pumpkin for Halloween

49.  watching my favorite television shows, Modern Family and That 70’s Show

50.  reading outside in the sun

51.  rock climbing

52.  jumping off of a swing

53.  building a fort

54.  having a snowball fight

55.  making snow angels

56.  taking a hot shower

57.  going for a long bike ride

58.  writing calligraphy

59.  jumping in a pile of leaves

60.  when a song I like comes on the radio

61.  wearing my favorite outfit

62.  drinking Gatorade after a field hockey game

63.  shopping at Target

64.  successfully merging on the highway

65.  eating dinner with my family

66.  jumping on my bed

67.  sampling food at Costco

68.  being on time

69.  being first in line (anywhere)

70.  looking through old photo albums

71.  watching lightning

72.  playing Solitaire on my iPod

73.  receiving a magazine or catalogue in the mail

74.  sun tanning on vacation/in the summer

75.  seeing my old camp friends

      After going through one day trying to incorporate as many simple pleasures as I could, it turned out to be one of the best days I’ve had in a while. The simple pleasures that I incorporated included: hanging out with my friends, petting my dog, painting my nails, cracking my back, eating chocolate, watching my favorite television shows, receiving a magazine in the mail, singing in the shower, sleeping in late, going out to dinner, shopping with my mom, cleaning my room, driving my car and successfully merging on the highway, and listening to music. My day was so great because by doing all of these little things that pleased me, my day was more enjoyable. After experiencing this day, I realized that by incorporating more simple pleasures into my daily life I will be much happier.

      There are several things that I wanted to do but was fearful attempting because of failure, rejection, and/or embarrassment. One of these actions included confronting someone about a problem. I was fearful of doing so because I wanted the other person to hear my opinion without shutting me down, and I was nervous about potentially hurting their feelings. Another action that I feared attempting was calling for the ball in field hockey, because I didn’t want to miss the ball and embarrass myself. I also didn’t want to disappoint my coach and the team. In addition, I wanted to speak to the new French exchange students and introduce myself to them, but I was too nervous to do so because my French is not so great, and I didn’t want to be embarrassed. I also wanted to contribute my ideas about Halloween costumes to my friends, but I didn’t want to attempt it because I was afraid they would reject my ideas, which would probably make me upset. Lastly, although I wanted to raise my hand and participate more often in my classes, I was fearful of doing so because of failure and embarrassment in front of my classmates. However, throughout the week I did try to raise my hand more and share answers. Although I may not have always gotten the answers correct, my teachers seemed to appreciate the fact that I was putting in the effort to participate. By gaining the approval of my teachers, and sometimes even gaining the satisfaction of answering a question correctly, I learned to overcome my fear of failure. I learned that despite failure and embarrassment, I will not be able to learn from my mistakes and get my ideas across if I do not attempt these actions. 

The Bystander Effect

The likelihood that an onlooker would help the car that slid off the road would be in the middle of very likely and very unlikely, in this case a 4 on the scale. Some of the factors that would influence an onlooker to help include feeling guilty for not stopping. Although the driver was not driving responsibly, the onlookers may feel guilty because the accident could have been serious. On the other hand, one of the factors that would influence an onlooker not to help is the characteristics of the victim. In this case, the victim was being a reckless driver by weaving on the roads to pass other drivers, coming close to hitting them. By the dilution effect, the onlookers may stereotype this driver as someone who is careless and frankly obnoxious. The other drivers may believe that this driver in need doesn’t deserve help, because he/or caused the problem. Therefore, the onlookers are less likely to help the victim.

The likelihood that an onlooker would stop to help the teacher that dropped her papers it pretty unlikely, in this case a 5 on the scale. One factor that influence an onlooker to help pick up the papers is avoiding personal guilt for not helping the teacher. However, there are several factors that would influence a bystander not to help. One reason they wouldn’t help in this situation could be linked to pluralistic ignorance, in which the bystanders do not help if others are not helping, thinking it is not necessary to intervene. Another reason they wouldn’t help is because of the “diffusion of responsibility,” in which they do not help because they think someone else will help, therefore feeling less responsible in the situation. Lastly, if students are in a hurry and are worried about being late to class, they are unlikely to help the teacher pick up her papers.

The bystanders are unlikely to help the victim outside of the tavern, the likelihood being a 5 on the scale. The two main reasons that the bystanders would step in are to help the victim from danger, and to help relieve the tension of seeing this situation take place. One factor that would influence an onlooker not to help in this situation is pluralistic ignorance, as mentioned above. Also, the onlookers may believe that this situation is none of their business. Lastly, similar to the onlookers in the Kitty Genovese case, they may want to avoid a dangerous situation and not get involved.

The bystanders are likely to help the man off of the railing of the bridge, the likelihood being a 6 on the scale. Some of the factors that would influence the bystanders not to help would be pluralistic ignorance, and ambiguity, in which the bystanders are unsure if the situation is really an emergency. Although a bystander may help this man to avoid personal guilt if something bad were to happen to him. Also, they may feel the need to get this man out of a dangerous situation, and may feel as though they are not harming themselves in the process. Lastly, because of “selfish benefits,” in which a bystander will help in return for social and personal rewards, a bystander may help the man to be rewarded with praise from the other bystanders, and be seen as a hero.

The Bystander Effect shows that humans are sometimes unsure of whether or not they should help, and rely on the reactions of others to determine the degree of a situation. It also shows that people are less likely to help if there are other bystanders around. The Milgram Study shows that humans are likely to listen to authority and be obedient, and that they “trust those with the knowledge of power.” Both the Bystander Effect and the Milgram Study show that people tend to defer their responsibility in certain situations, and are often afraid to get into trouble. My own thinking has changed with regard to helping others, because I know that I cannot always rely on the reactions of other bystanders to determine whether or not I should intervene in a situation. I know that although I may not have a legal responsibility to help others, I have a moral responsibility to step in and help. I can now help others without the fear of questioning authority or getting into trouble. I think the most significant factors that influenced me not to help, and will continue to influence me not to help, are the fears of getting involved in a dangerous situation, and offering potentially dangerous assistance. However, after learning about the Milgram Study and the Bystander Effect, I am more likely to help out in an emergency situation in which it is safe to do so. 

Exercise 2

One of the issues that I constantly find myself complaining about is that I have too much homework, and not enough time to complete it. Every weekday after school is finished, I have field hockey practice until 5:30, after which I have to shower and eat dinner. And by the time I sit down to begin my homework, I'm already exhausted. I will also admit that I have a bit of a procrastination issue, preferring to put off my homework for as long as possible. To solve this issue, a possible solution would be to avoid procrastinating my homework, which would definitely alleviate the stress of having to finish it late at night. Another solution is to try to improve my time management so I can efficiently complete my homework in a moderate amount of time. By taking action on these solutions, I found that I could finish my homework in the time I have, without waiting until the last minute and becoming stressed. Another issue I frequently complain about is being extremely tired during the school day, and not being able to focus in class. This issue is caused by staying up late in general, either trying to finish homework, watching television, or using the computer. In order to solve this issue, I attempted to fix my procrastination issue, as mentioned previously, and limit the use of technology right before I go to bed. I tried to go to bed at an earlier and more reasonable time, which had a significant impact on my ability to focus in school the next day, and not be as tired.

One of the biggest things I take for granted is my friends. My friends are some of the most important people in my life that I may not always take the time to appreciate. Several great aspects of my friends include that they are always there for me, they support my goals, they never fail to make me laugh and brighten my mood, I can ask them for advice, and I know that I can always rely on them and confide in them. Although I am already very grateful to have my friends be a significant part of my life, one way that I could appreciate them more fully is to put more effort into spending time with them. Another action I could take to appreciate my friends more fully is to return to them all of the favors they do for me. Lastly, I could frequently let them know how much I appreciate having them in my life, and all of the great things they do for me. After improving my actions to appreciate my friends more fully, I realized that this not only benefits my well-being, but also the well-being and happiness of my friends. When I took the time to appreciate my friends for everything they do, I no longer took them for granted and I savored my friendships even more. By having close relationships with these people, and socializing with them more often, I became happier and felt more satisfied. This effect lasts a long time because when I constantly spend time with my friends and thank them for the favors they do for me, I continue to appreciate them and realize they should never be taken for granted.

Exercise 1

After taking the VIA strengths test, I learned that my top strength is "citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty." This did not come as a surprise to me because I always try my best when working with others, and I put the best interests of my group first. Also, I am very loyal to my teammates and make sure everyone's opinion is heard. My second strength is the "capacity to love and be loved," which also is not surprising to me because I deeply value my relationships with others. When I love and care for someone, and when someone loves and cares for me, I find that our relationship is stronger. By having people in my life with whom I have strong, loving relationships, especially my family, I find that I can live a happier life. My third strength, "caution, prudence, and discretion," is very accurate because I always weigh the pros and cons before making big decisions, and I always keep in mind the consequences of my actions. My fourth strength, "kindness and generosity," matches my actions because I try my hardest to do good deeds for others, and I love the satisfaction of being generous and making others happy. Lastly, my fifth strength of "leadership" is fairly precise because in a group, I tend to be very organized and make sure that things get accomplished. I make sure that each group member has a say, and that the group cooperates. I believe that I am authentic because my character strengths are an accurate representation of my actions, motivations, speech, and appearance. I always strive to be an excellent leader and group member, my actions are always based on my carefulness and kindness, and I am always open to love and be loved.

Random Acts of Kindness observed:
1. giving a hug to someone who wasn't having a great day
2. holding the library door open for others
3. coming to support friends/classmates at a sports event
4. offering advice on photography
5. helping a freshman find their class
6. offering to help hang up signs in the cafeteria
7. lending a fellow student a pencil
8. helping a neighbor, who is about to move, load furniture into their car
9. giving an extra water bottle to a teammate who needed one
10. bringing a lost item to the office
11. lending another kid money to buy popcorn at a baseball game
12. teaching a teammate, who had never played baseball, how to properly hit a ball
13. helping a neighbor move boxes outside to the trash
14. giving words of encouragement at a field hockey game
15. giving up a seat at the baseball game so someone else could sit next to their friend
16. picking up someone's paper that fell
17. a group of friends inviting a new student to sit with them at lunch
18. letting a sibling have the last piece of cake
19. offering a classmate help with their homework
20. offering to take notes and get homework for a classmate that would be missing class that day
21. letting a friend know their bus is about to leave, so it doesn't leave without them
22. letting sibling watch the show they want to on TV
23. offering to share a locker with a teammate in the locker room when there weren't any open lockers    left
24. lending someone their jacket when it was cold outside
25. sharing lunch with someone who forgot theirs

People's reactions to these acts of kindness were very grateful. I could tell that whoever received the act of kindness was appreciative and thankful. These acts of kindness made me feel happy to know that I am surrounded by people who are willing to do kind things for others. Seeing these actions inspires me to perform more acts of kindness every day, because they can really brighten someone's mood. The RAK that made the biggest impression on me was when a group of friends kindly invited a new student to sit with them at lunch. In high school, many people have already formed groups of friends, so it can be hard for new students to fit in. However, this group of friends was extremely welcoming, and I could tell that their kindness had a significant impact on the new student. All of the RAK's, this one especially, showed me that the world is a place where "love actually is all around us." Although it is sometimes difficult to see the love all around us in the world, these small random acts of kindness prove that it exists.

The Happiness Machine

I would choose not to plug into a machine that would make me continuously happy. If I connected to this machine, I would never be fully satisfied knowing that none of it is real. I would be more satisfied in a world where I can experience true happiness, even if it comes with pain and bad experiences, than in a world with artificial happiness. It is better to see things as they really are, whether they are good or bad. Plugging into the machine is like living in a state of ignorance, with a deprivation of reality.
In the machine you are able to get anything you want to make you happy, which would not teach you that you have to work for the things you want. With the machine, my life would not consist of varying emotion, only happiness. Without pain, I cannot experience true happiness. Also, without going through painful experiences, I cannot really appreciate the good things in life. Experiencing pain and sorrow brings empathy, and without the feeling of empathy people are less likely to help others in a state of pain. When connected to the machine, you become so caught up in your own happiness that you become unaware of the fact that other people are experiencing pain and sadness.
By going through bad experiences and overcoming them, you become much stronger. If I am always truly happy, I will miss out on the opportunity to overcome obstacles and grow stronger as a person. If given the choice, I would choose not to plug into the machine because it is better to live in reality, and see the world for what it truly is, good and bad.