Value Of Life Analysis Essay Example
Value Of Life Analysis Essay Example

Value Of Life Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (585 words)
  • Published: May 1, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The value of life varies depending on the cultural context. In the western world, life is often not valued based on what individuals have learned, taught or the wisdom they have shared. Instead, it is measured by one's financial success and personal net worth. In contrast, other societies place a higher value on life based on the experiences individuals accumulate throughout their lifetime. This perspective suggests that life should be valued primarily by the richness of one's experiences rather than by monetary wealth. In countries like America and other first world nations, life insurance is a prominent product.

People input their personal information into a website, which assigns a monetary value to their life. According to the site, my life is worth four million dollars. This website literally quantifies the worth of a human life. On Septembe

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r 11, 2001, the American government assigned varying values of money to each life lost that day. “Approximately 86 percent of families were supposed to receive equal amounts,” (Ripley 1) but this was not the case. Each person's life was valued based on their lifetime earnings and the financial support they provided to their dependents. However, this calculation also accounted for deductions such as life insurance, pension, social security, and workers compensation (Ripley 1). Ultimately, this determined the total monetary worth of their life. It is ethically incorrect to put a price on someone's life. Instead, we should assess the value of individuals based on their knowledge and life experiences. As Charles Darwin said, “A man who dares to waste one hour of his life has not discovered the value of life.” When we think of names like Lance Armstrong,

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Ronald Reagan, and Mother Teresa, their impact on the world and the wisdom they shared are what come to mind, rather than their monetary earnings.

These individuals had minimal financial resources, but their lives held a greater worth than any billionaire. Lance Armstrong understands the true essence of life as he faced near-death while fighting cancer yet overcame the difficulties. He persevered because he cherished his life's value, which encompassed experiences, friendships, and new opportunities. In contrast, the United States of America assesses the value of life based on accumulated wealth or one's societal position.

The societal perception of a supreme court judge's life being worth more than four million dollars, whereas a janitor's life is valued at less than one million dollars, solely due to the judgement of western society. This distinction is based on the difference in their income, placing the judge in a higher social class and the janitor in the middle class. Hence, according to capitalist reasoning, the value ascribed to the janitor's life is lower. Our culture distinguishes the worth of each life based on the amount of money accumulated during our lifespan. Therefore, Steve Jobs' life would be deemed more valuable than Albert Einstein's life solely because he generated greater profits.

We have life insurance in order to protect our lives by financially providing for expenses, rather than solely relying on what we have accumulated in life to pass down. In summary, it is incorrect to measure the worth of a life based on one's financial success or the amount of life insurance coverage. People should instead appreciate their lives based on their acquired knowledge, experiences, and personal growth. Love, friendship, and

determination bring value to every life. The value of life may vary from person to person, but every life, regardless of wealth, holds unique significance.

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