Intrinsic Value of Life: Celebrity or Commoner
Is the life of a celebrity more valuable than that of an average person? This question has been frequently debated with various perspectives. Celebrities, despite their immense public attention and admiration, do not inherently possess a greater value than others. Their lives, however, are often scrutinized more intensely, making them subject to a different set of challenges.
Public Scrutiny and Complexities
While celebrities may seem to lead glamorous lives, their realities are often far more complex and challenging than those of the public might imagine. For instance, celebrities have more obstacles to navigate, from constant scrutiny to daily mobbing, making their lives less simple and easier than the general populace. Unlike those who can board public transportation, order roadside food, or live life with relative anonymity, celebrities are always in the public eye and under constant surveillance.
The Value of Recognition and Its Absence
Yesterday, when news of Sridevi’s untimely death came to light, it forced me to reflect on this very question. The matter of fame versus hard work is universal. If I chose a similar career path, the challenges and rewards would be equally demanding. However, I have chosen a different path where recognition is not the primary focus, yet the effort and dedication are the same. This realization led me to the conclusion that if everyone were to receive the same level of recognition, the value of recognition itself would diminish.
Natural Selection and Uniqueness of Life
Ultimately, the intrinsic value of life lies in its natural selection process, where challenges lead to survival and reproduction. Our DNA codes us for millions of years to face such challenges, and many drop out, die, while the survivors pass on their traits. In nature, every individual is unique and holds a place of respect, ultimately leading to oblivion and death.
Ethical Perception and Hierarchies
The perception of the sanctity of life in Western culture differs from some Eastern perspectives where individual life is seen as a small unit for a higher purpose. This ethical perspective stems from religious beliefs that humans are created in God’s image, destined for eternity, yet condemned by a mistake or glitch. In contrast, the “no child left behind” culture of recent decades promotes the belief that everyone is special and worthy of recognition.
Social Hierarchy and Value Assessment
At the end of the day, society often prizes those who are deemed more important by virtue of skill, talent, and fame over the average. Consider the example of a hospital janitor versus an emergency room physician. Both are paid different salaries, reflecting the societal valuation of different skills and roles. Celebrities are more valued in society simply because they are celebrities, not because their lives are inherently more valuable.
We are born equal, but social structures often create hierarchies. Each of us has unique characteristics, such as height, looks, social grace, intelligence, and personal struggles. Recognizing and appreciating these differences is crucial in understanding the true value of life in a diverse and complex world.