4 ms·
The point of the story is that loyalty to authority is its own reward, and that to submit to authority is the only life choice that ultimately matters. The con
by RodgerTheGreat 6y ago
The point of the story is that loyalty to authority is its own reward, and that to submit to authority is the only life choice that ultimately matters.
The context is a religion where faith in an ultimate authority- adopted at any point in life so long as it is judged sincere- is rewarded eternally after death. (And in less gentle interpretations, lack of faith is punished eternally after death.)
It's internally consistent as a tool of indoctrination, but a good example of how religious tracts are a questionable basis for systems of morality.
- jjeaff 6y agoI don't get that at all from the story. It teaches that you should stop worrying so much about yourself and celebrate the success of others, even when you think you are "better" than those other people. And it's a rather precient parable because jealosy of a sibling is a common thing. When others overcome something difficult, like addiction, I try to celebrate with them. I don't sulk and complain that i'm not getting enough adulation for never getting addicted in the first place.
- papandada 6y agoMost of the story, in fact, focuses on the disproportionate and unexpected response of a father welcoming back a son who left while saying "I wish you were dead." The son came back out of desperation and didn't even get his pre-planned speech of apology out of his mouth, he just showed up.
- katzgrau 6y agoSuper cynical interpretation, but an interpretation nonetheless. A more positive view: The story is about celebrating the good (his brother/son came back!) and not focusing on perceived injustices. In other words, gratitude.
- galaxyLogic 6y agoHere's my take: It's good to be good to others, we should all understand that. So when someone who didn't understand that before sees the light it is a great reason to rejoice. Now we have one more person who sees the light. The brother who stayed at home should feel the same, if indeed he too has seen the light too. But if he didn't he didn't. I think that part of the story is really simply saying yes there are people like that too who do things only to gain a reward without understanding the intrinsic value of co-operation and love.