Intensity of Seriousness: Empathy, Responsibility, Consistent Will
We may be moved by watching a movie or get thrilled while playing computer games. On the other hand, there may be times when we watch a movie with a detached perspective or play a game mechanically without immersing ourselves in it.
This isn’t exclusive to fictional worlds like movies or games. The same applies to the real world. There are people who are deeply affected by those around them or societal issues, and some genuinely commit to what they can do. Conversely, some view real-world events with a detached perspective and do not approach things with sincerity.
Here, there exists a measure of seriousness. Whether it’s movies, games, or the real world, the level of seriousness varies among people.
In this article, we will delve into this concept of seriousness.
Interaction Between Myself and the World in Movies, Games, and Reality
Let’s clarify the relationship between myself and the subject world.
In the world of movies, I can observe the world, but I cannot influence it. I can only watch.
In the world of games, I can not only observe the world but also control a character representing me.
Both movies and games have a one-way relationship from me to the world. The world doesn’t look back at me nor directly influence me. In that sense, no matter how I watch a movie or whatever actions I take within a game, I won’t be harmed. Also, characters within these worlds do not directly recognize me.
In the real world, I can observe and influence the world. At the same time, worldly affairs directly influence me, and people in the world recognize me. In this sense, the real world is a unique place.
Seriousness
However, even if the world doesn’t directly influence me or recognize me like in the real world, I can still be serious towards the world. Being serious encompasses three modes: empathy, responsibility, and consistent will.
In a world where only observation is possible, like movies, seriousness manifests only in the form of empathy. Meanwhile, in games and reality where interaction is possible, seriousness also shows up in the form of responsibility and will.
When empathizing, whether it’s a fictional or real world, our emotions are stirred. And we harbor desires for events within them. For instance, hoping for the protagonist to defeat the enemy or wishing for two characters’ romance to succeed.
Having a sense of responsibility means acting to fulfill a role expected by the world’s inhabitants. It’s about trying to meet expectations and avoiding inhumane actions or things that might draw criticism, even in a game.
Holding consistent will means acting to achieve what you wish to accomplish in that world. Unlike movies, games require operation to progress, and many demand effort to complete. That effort can come from the enjoyment of the game, but there might be excruciating difficulties. When facing such challenges and persevering, it can be said that one is facing the game with a consistent will.
Interaction of Seriousness with the World
Being serious gives rise to empathy, responsibility, and a consistent will. This makes me emotionally moved by the world. And if I can influence the world, I’ll likely think deeply, innovate, and put in effort to achieve something.
The ability to express seriousness is not necessarily tied to whether or not one is influenced by the subject. Even if there isn’t a mutual relationship of influence between myself and the world, as in the real world, seriousness can still be expressed.
Short-term Perspective, or Decision-making in Extreme Conditions
There are three patterns of seriousness towards the world: seriousness towards others within that world, seriousness towards oneself, and seriousness towards evaluations from others.
When thinking from a short-term perspective, or when there’s no leeway to think long-term, which of these three patterns one is more serious about greatly affects one’s decision-making.
For example, one might think it’s okay to sacrifice oneself or face criticism in order to protect a loved one.
Conversely, one might choose to sacrifice others or reputation to protect oneself. Similarly, those who highly value their reputation might make choices that focus most on what garners attention, even at the expense of oneself or certain others.
Decision-making with a Long-term Perspective
On the other hand, when one has ample time or resources and thinks long-term, the situation changes.
No matter which of the three kinds of seriousness one adheres to, if it’s positive, decision-making will aim to maintain and enhance all three aspects.
This is because if one is not in a healthy state, protecting others and receiving good evaluations becomes challenging. Similarly, if you don’t protect others, maintaining oneself and a good reputation becomes difficult. Evaluation from others serves as insurance for protecting oneself and others. It increases the chances of receiving cooperation or support in critical moments.
Thus, no matter where one’s interest lies among the three, from a long-term perspective, decision-making that considers each aspect is expected.
However, there’s a caveat to this discussion.
This premise applies if entities emerge that can gather the power to maintain their state long-term, even by sacrificing others or evaluations. For such entities with this “superpower,” the aforementioned long-term decisions might not always be considerate across multiple facets.
Problems with Inconsiderate Decision-making
Excluding the exception of possessing “superpowers,” if inconsiderate decisions are made, the cause would be a combination of: lack of leeway, short-term perspective, irrational thinking, lack of seriousness, or negative intentions.
This indicates that being selfish or having a strong desire for recognition isn’t essentially the problem. The real issue lies in the five patterns mentioned, and it’s vital to avoid falling into these traps.
Avoiding situations without leeway might be beyond an individual’s effort alone, requiring societal support. After creating a situation with ample resources, it’s crucial to advocate thinking rationally long-term.
Also, the aspect of lacking seriousness is essential. It’s vital to be serious towards the world in some form and ensure it’s not negative. If there’s some positive seriousness towards the world, thinking rationally long-term should lead to considerate choices across various facets.
Application to the Time Axis
From here, we’ll shift our perspective slightly and think about observation and manipulation within the time axis.
We can refer to the past using records and memories. However, we cannot manipulate our past self. This is analogous to watching a movie on a screen.
We can’t refer to the future, but we can manipulate it. More precisely, we can’t directly manipulate the future, but we can take actions that influence it.
This includes preparatory activities for the future, but it’s not just that.
For instance, constructing a long-standing building will likely influence the future. It’s not just physical entities; making new academic discoveries, creating lasting art pieces, or setting a design trend will also influence the future.
Promises or contracts are also pretty direct ways to influence the future. Especially, smart contracts in blockchain technology can be set up to be automatically executed when the time comes. Just as no one can copy or erase a Bitcoin due to its data nature, smart contracts ensure a near-certain execution of processes in the future.
Seriousness Towards the Future
Seriousness towards the future is a unique concept, not fitting into any pattern we’ve discussed so far. It’s a peculiar world where we can influence but not observe the future.
To address the future, we use predictions, assumptions, and hypotheses as substitutes for observation. Through this foresight, we can finally approach the future with the same seriousness as the present. We can exhibit seriousness in the form of not only empathy but also responsibility and intention towards the future.
Conversely, this implies that effort is necessary to make predictions, assumptions, and hypotheses. Without this, it’s challenging to be serious about the future. The effort in foresight and seriousness towards the future are complementary, each strengthening the other.
Furthermore, being serious about the future is essential for maintaining a long-term perspective. When promoting long-term thinking, it’s worth paying attention to this concept of seriousness towards the future.
In Conclusion: A Return to the Morality of Realism
Understanding the nature of seriousness brings forth deeper considerations.
Let’s assume we hold strong seriousness towards this world. In such a case, it would be desirable for others to also be serious about this world.
Be it humans, nature, empathizing with idols or anime characters, or feeling a sense of responsibility towards family and friends, it’s all valid. It’s also fine to possess the will to grow oneself or one’s organization. Holding such strong seriousness and thinking long-term, even if the direction of that seriousness differs among individuals, the force should naturally work towards maintaining the world’s affairs in a positive state.
On the other hand, an attitude that questions the value of the world’s affairs, similar to nihilism, isn’t desirable. While trying to see the world objectively may seem rational and wise at first glance, to those who face the world with seriousness, such a stance appears irrational and foolish.
In massively multiplayer online games or metaverses, there can be weak morality, and distasteful actions might stand out. If such behavior becomes excessive, the game or metaverse loses popularity, eventually leading to its termination. Hence, both operators and participants, as fans of the service, strive to establish rules and morals in their respective worlds. The real world is no different.
Morality isn’t just a pretty notion for the weak. It’s a wisdom manifested when one recognizes that they can’t maintain the existence of what they’re seriously facing using their power alone. Morality is a contract made among people placed in the same situation. To protect what is valuable and lovable, it’s necessary to employ morality as a foundation to steer the world towards its ideal state.
Realizing that one can’t be an eternal powerhouse, everyone is compelled to turn their attention to morality. Continually aiming to be an eternal powerhouse without learning from history is delusional and isn’t compatible with the spirit of realism. In a world where the prosperous inevitably decline, understanding seriousness should lead genuine realism to culminate in morality.
