>I don't know what it would ever mean to deserve the wealth and privilege that I have now.
Think of it like potential energy. You were born with a great deal of it. Now you get to spend that energy, convert it into work and kinetic energy.
Indeed, make this metaphor literal. Imagine that people are all born with actual potential energy. Some people might choose to imbue small objects (like bullets) with kinetic energy. Others may work to move large objects for peaceful purposes (e.g. buses). Still others move only themselves, to a position of greatest amusement. Of course, an important class of potential energy holders use it to seek out ever more potential energy - these are the sorts of people who, finding a magic lamp with a genie in it, would almost certainly wish for infinite wishes.
If you have extra potential energy, more than you need, then there are three basic uses: speed-up other people who deserve it (serve). Slow-down people who don't (fight injustice). And, of course, move at the speed that makes you happiest, no faster, and no slower. Because happiness is the best gift you could give the world (unless your unhappiness would get us all a cure for cancer, in which case go ahead and be unhappy!).
>Of course, an important class of potential energy holders use it to seek out ever more potential energy - these are the sorts of people who, finding a magic lamp with a genie in it, would almost certainly wish for infinite wishes.
Implying that politicians and capitalists are legal and social Munchkins ;-)?
Think of it like potential energy. You were born with a great deal of it. Now you get to spend that energy, convert it into work and kinetic energy.
Indeed, make this metaphor literal. Imagine that people are all born with actual potential energy. Some people might choose to imbue small objects (like bullets) with kinetic energy. Others may work to move large objects for peaceful purposes (e.g. buses). Still others move only themselves, to a position of greatest amusement. Of course, an important class of potential energy holders use it to seek out ever more potential energy - these are the sorts of people who, finding a magic lamp with a genie in it, would almost certainly wish for infinite wishes.
If you have extra potential energy, more than you need, then there are three basic uses: speed-up other people who deserve it (serve). Slow-down people who don't (fight injustice). And, of course, move at the speed that makes you happiest, no faster, and no slower. Because happiness is the best gift you could give the world (unless your unhappiness would get us all a cure for cancer, in which case go ahead and be unhappy!).