Right

We often are told what to do. Some people mention that we should focus on others and not worry about ourselves in the least, which is very difficult for many. Some people say that we must stop talking, but is this even possible? Others mention that we must remove certain “evils” from our lives- and of course THEY have deemed these items “evil,” be they television, internet, alcohol, meat, fat, newspapers, etc; is it sensible to completely remove many aspects of our lives from them? Still others mention that we must emulate such and such historical figure or follow such and such ideals. This is all fine and acceptable, but is it right?

Example

What does is mean to be right? This is up to debate. Let’s say two friends are walking together to an exam. One of them wants to start a conversation to get their minds off the exam. The other wants to keep quiet and think about the material in order to review key points. Who is right? One could argue either way, but each of the two would of course claim that they were right.

Maybe that is an unclear example. Let us pretend that there are three people debating an issue. Each of them thinks that they are correct. One claims that writing should be focused on the most in teaching foreign language to adults, for this is the best way to perfect style and grammar. The second claims that reading is the most important item, for it is the greatest way to increase vocabulary. The third claims that speaking is the most important, because if one can’t speak, they can’t use the language well. They each have their point. Who is right? Is that not an opinionated question?

Let us try a third time, maybe we’ll find an answer. Five people are playing football and see a twenty dollar bill on the floor. Of course, not all five see it simultaneously. The one closest to it claims it for himself. Two others claim that they noticed it earlier but weren’t sure, so they should split it between them. A fourth notes that he lost twenty dollars three days earlier, but wasn’t sure whether it was at the park or at home, so he should get it, as he has the most right to claim any money found. The last one claims that they should all split it, for they are all there together and none of them would have come if not as a group. Who is right? Maybe there is no definition of being “right”- it is a relative judgment, indeed.