[abc123abc123]

I always feel like this is elitist (oh, look at your silly little problem, I risked death, and you are complaining about rent.

And I always respond with, yes, not everyone risked death, and they do have a right to complain about rent. You did it because of your own free choice.

Another aspect of this silly stance is that if we always compare with death, nothing ever gets done. It is perfectly reasonable to have everything, and still aim towards other goals. If one is not risking life, you are well justified in complaining about the traffic jam.

[baubino]

It’s less “look at your silly problem” and more “how can I fully appreciate life.” I see that perspective as grounding, not elitist. The previous commenter’s dad is not telling others what to do or how to live; he’s deciding for himself how he wants to live.

[mettamage]

Well yea sure. But also look at death though. What does any uncomfortable thing mean in the face of death?

Not much. And this is coming from someone who hasn’t voluntarily faced death or consciously experienced the threat of it.

I respect both views. I guess it takes some Janusian thinking skills [1], for me at least, but both perspectives are worth it.

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creative-exploration...

[WalterBright]

Anytime you wake up in the morning and are able to get out of bed and stand up is a beautiful day.

I've never wanted to transfer my brain into a machine. Isn't it wonderful to feel the floor under your feet? To smell the air? To taste a steak? To hear the bees? To see the leaves? To hold your partner?

Every day is an opportunity to enjoy your life.

I don't really know what kind of a man I am, because I have never volunteered to face death.

[jacquesm]

What a wonderful comment. Thanks.

[throwup238]

> You did it because of your own free choice.

Since when is getting drafted a free choice? Over 60% of US soldiers in WWWI had no choice whatsoever.

[WalterBright]

My dad had a draft exemption because he was a mechanic at Lockheed building airplanes. He volunteered.

All the B-17 crews were volunteers.

[richardfulop]

Over 6,000 Americans were imprisoned during WWII for refusing induction without recognized objection status.