Some people say birthday celebrations are for children. Others like to celebrate throughout their entire lives. Which are you?
Share why if you wish.
Birthday: Celebrate Or Not?
Category: Tradition
What Is Patriotic Behavior?
Patriotism means loving your country. But what, exactly, does that mean, and what patriotic behavior is acceptable? Are there some traditions of celebrating your country that are better than others?
Let’s take, for example, the national anthem being played prior to sporting events. The traditional patriotic behavior would be to stand, remove your hat, and look at a flag while the anthem plays.
There was some controversy recently, when some players chose to kneel, rather than to stand. That would seem to be disrespectful. But was it?
Let’s say you love your house. If you notice the roof is leaking, which is the greater act of love: ignoring the leak, or fixing the roof?
Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss a related question: ‘What makes a tradition?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘What are you optimistic about?’
If you wear a t-shirt made out of your country’s flag, some would see that a showing your love of country. Others, however, might see it as desecrating a symbol of your country. Is one right and the other wrong?
Are there some acts of patriotism that veer toward nationalism? If so, who decides what they are?
Similarly, are there some parts of your country’s history that one person may celebrate, while another is ashamed? How can you reconcile these two views?
Ultimately, can we agree on certain actions or behaviors that show love of country? Or is it, by definition, a subjective issue? What is patriotic behavior?
Related questions: What does it mean to be patriotic? How can you love someone who does something you hate? What role should government play in our lives? What are the most proud of?
Ring In New Year Or Go To Bed Early?
Are you the type of person who stays up past midnight to ring in the new year? Or do you celebrate, then get an early night’s rest?
Share why if you wish.
Ring In New Year Or Go To Bed Early?
Do You Believe In Santa Claus?
Santa Claus is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, but he is an important part of Christmas in many cultures. Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Share why if you wish.
What Do You Want?
For many people, this time of year is about gift-giving and -receiving. Little children are expected to sit on Santa’s lap and tell them what they want for Christmas. Even for adults, this time of year can be a good opportunity to answer the question: What do you want?
As an added bonus, it doesn’t even need to be Christmas specific. In general, what is it you want — for yourself, for your community, or for the world at large?
Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss the related question: ‘How do you define success?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘Is happiness the most important purpose in life?’
This question, when tied to the Christmas holiday, tends to be focused on the commercial. What present should someone wrap and put under the tree? However, in our thought exercise, it can be more than that. Not there is anything wrong with wanting a material good, like a new smartphone or a video game console. But you may also want something abstract, like justice, or peace, or happiness.
Knowing what it is that you want, some would argue, is the first step to getting it. After all, if you don’t know what it is that you want, how will you know if you have achieved it?
So, like a child standing in line at the mall, waiting for a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, think about what you plan on asking for. What do you want?
Related questions: What new technology do you want? What do you want to do before you die? Why do we like what we like? What would you do with a million dollars?