Happiness can only be achieved by living beyond sovereignty and law, through profanation and actualizing one's potentialities, as Saidel (2014) suggests. This idea may seem counterintuitive, but it highlights the complexity of human well-being and the need to rethink our values and way of life. According to Suissa (2008), human well-being is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including interpretation, meaning, and value, making it challenging to pinpoint an ideal way of living. However, by exploring the nuances of human dignity, virtues, and the interconnectedness of human and natural systems, we may uncover a more profound understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Understanding Human Dignity
Treating humans with dignity requires not using them as means, obtaining their consent, and showing kindness, as their value is categorically higher than economic or instrumental value, Hanna (2021) argues. This perspective emphasizes the importance of recognizing human dignity as rooted in the metaphysical ground of real personhood, an essentially embodied set of capacities for free will and practical agency. Human dignity is not just a subjective accomplishment but also shaped by social practice and personal participation, as Dreĭer (1999) notes. Furthermore, human natural capacities can only be fully developed in the species, not in the individual, highlighting the need for a collective approach to understanding human dignity, as Belás (2017) points out, referencing Kant (1991b).The Interconnectedness of Human and Natural Systems
The idea that humanity and nature are interdependent is a crucial aspect of understanding the ideal way of living. As Frogneux (2012) proposes, an ethics of renunciation is necessary, where no human can be sacrificed for a better future. This perspective is echoed by Crimston (2018), who found that feeling connected to nature and humanity is linked to more expansive moral boundaries. Additionally, Kretchmar (2011) notes that humans share 95% of genes with chimpanzees, suggesting that fair play principles like equality and reciprocity are not unique to humans. These findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to understanding human well-being, one that recognizes the intricate relationships between human and natural systems.Key Principles for an Ideal Way of Living
Some key principles for an ideal way of living include:- Recognizing human dignity as rooted in the metaphysical ground of real personhood, emphasizing the importance of free will and practical agency
- Embracing an ethics of renunciation, where no human can be sacrificed for a better future
- Prioritizing relationships and interconnectedness over capitalist destruction
- Balancing high hopes for humanity with smart pursuit of them
- Seeking truth and recognizing that common sense can be misleading