[roel_v]

Are you seriously suggesting that people have some form of 'obligation' towards the others, just because they were born with/in a certain intelligence and environment, and that therefore they should relinquish their freedom to do whatever they want for the benefit of the others? If so, and if you're not trolling, I am seriously discomforted and even appalled by your apparent proposition of a fascist or communist "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" morality.

[gizmo]

We are so advantaged compared to the rest of humanity it isn't even funny. We have opportunities other people would kill for. We are in a position where we can make a meaningful positive contribution to the world. To throw that all away would be a huge waste.

You don't have to sacrifice personal happiness, but yes, if you're in a position where you can do good and if you then choose not to do good I do consider that somewhat unethical.

Working hard for people like us consists of sitting on a chair and listening to music while we type for 6 hours a day. Maybe another 4 hours or so of chatting and planning and sketching out ideas. While the rest of the world is born in a position where the choice is between backbreaking work for 12 hours a day or being unable to feed the family.

Yes, we have the freedom to lounge about even though a billion people are underfed or living in otherwise miserable conditions, but who can in good conscience exercise that right?

[abrimo]

I completely agree. Although it might seem like we work hard and are fairly rewarded, the fact we have the skills and opportunities that we do is through no doing of our own.

President Kennedy gave a great speech about the role and responsibilities of educated people in society. 'Increased responsibility goes with increased ability, for "of those to whom much is given, much is required."' http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/aZ0Im5s0mUqPJlFNs6iO4...

[stephenhuey]

Kennedy was quoting Luke 12:48 in the Bible:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12&vers...

[gizmo]

And the bible in turn paraphrased Spiderman: "with great power comes great responsibility."