Reflections: The Toughest Questions
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” Voltaire
Reflections: The Toughest Question
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. Henri Nouwen
What is your toughest decision to date? Every day, we make decisions that can have a long-lasting impact on our lives and the lives of others around us. Some of those decisions are tough, but some are even tougher; they test our sense of integrity and the limits of our need for self-preservation. One of the toughest decisions I had to make in my life was to leave my family and friends and move to the US. I did it with much trepidation, and many years later, I still wonder what might have been different if I had stayed in the UK. But there are tougher questions that we sometimes face in our lives. Many of them tend to center on life-and-death situations and health challenges.
When I saw the Discover Challenge topic about tough questions, what popped into my head was a series of moral dilemmas. I believe anything that forces us to choose or make a decision that can harm a loved one is truly in the category of toughest questions, and most of us just won’t choose. Below, I have added a few moral dilemma scenarios from Listverse that would give most of us food for thought. They fit in the category of toughest questions, and while I have never been in a position to make such a call, it is one that haunts us all. What would be your response? Have you faced an incredibly tough question in your life?
You are a very skilled doctor with five dying patients, each of whom needs a different organ in order to live. Unfortunately, there are no organs available to perform any of the transplants. It just so happens that you have a sixth dying patient, suffering from a fatal illness, who will die sooner than the other five if not treated. If this sixth patient dies, you will be able to use his organs to save the five other patients. However, you have a medicine you can give to this sixth patient that will cure his illness and he won’t die. Would you:
a: Wait for the patient to die and then harvest his organs or
b: Save the patient even though the other patients won’t get organs.
If you chose to administer the medicine, would you still do so even if the medicine will not cure the patient, but, instead, delay his death to some short term future date or time after the five patients will have died? Why?You are an inmate in a concentration camp. A sadistic guard is about to hang your son who tried to escape, and is telling you to pull the chair out from under him. He says that if you don’t do so, the guard will kill not only your son who tried to escape, but also your other son, who is another innocent inmate. You have no doubt that he means what he says. What would you do? Listverse
More Below!
“As you get older, the questions come down to about two or three. How long? And what do I do with the time I’ve got left?” David Bowie
Reflections: The Toughest Question
There are four questions of value in life, Don Octavio. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love. Lord Byron
Are there moral limits you would consider? Whether we admit to it or not, there are lines we will/won’t cross in the sand, and each of us knows what our gauge is. However, there might be times in our lives where the dilemma is not so clear-cut that any decision we make will be fraught with danger, pain, and ultimately deep sadness for us or others. May we never have to traverse that universe of dilemmas. In the meantime, check out more moral dilemma situations below and consider what you think you would do. They are from the same site and left me holding my chest.
There is a train that, much to your horror, is about to run over your grown up son, who has been tied to its track. It just so happens that you have just enough time to flip a switch that will send the train down a different track, saving your son. However, tied to the other track, is your granddaughter, the daughter of the very son in danger of being run over. Your son is begging and pleading with you not to flip the switch, not to kill his daughter. What would you do?
Jim has the responsibility of filling a position in his firm. His friend Paul has applied and is qualified, but someone else seems even more qualified. Jim wants to give the job to Paul, but he feels guilty, believing that he ought to be impartial. That’s the essence of morality, he initially tells himself. This belief is, however, rejected, as Jim resolves that friendship has a moral importance that permits, and perhaps even requires, partiality in some circumstances. So he gives the job to Paul. Was he right? via Listverse
This post was inspired by a Daily Word Prompt: Tough Questions – Getting stumped is sometimes an invitation to rethink what we know. This week, tell us about a moment in which someone asked you a question you weren’t sure how to answer, whether because you didn’t know, were too uncomfortable, or thought you might offend or confuse the other person. This doesn’t have to be about factual questions, of course — the thorniest questions are often those to which there’s no clear, established answer. As always, feel free to approach the topic through any medium (or multiple media), and in any genre or style. I look forward to your posts! Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. Not sure how to participate? Here are the steps to get started.
Positive Motivation Tip: To thine own spirit and moral code be true!
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: From PublicDomain photos on Pixabay and my Personal Collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I hope I never have to face some of these situations. They sound like the stuff that nightmares are made of.
That is a huge step moving to a different country. I believe dating is a big step. I have only dated two guys and both relationships were serious. My husband and I took our relationship serious even before we started dating. Which then I knew he was the one.
I’m sitting here trying to think of an example that I could post but I am having a hard time coming up with one.
I’ve been lucky and haven’t had to make very many tough decisions.
The questions of each scenario was truly a difficult one plus the fact that you have to decide right away and you cannot even think right and it is a matter of life and death situation. It was really so hard, and I hope I won’t be stuck in any of that situations. But I think decision making should always consider your happiness and ask yourself if your resolution will make you regret or not in the future.
The questions were very difficult and I don’t wanna be stuck in any of that situation. We should always consider our happiness and if you will end up regretting this or not in the future. But in the situation where there are a life and death scenario, I don’t think I can decide the right way and at the right time.
the toughest questions are the ones that I ask myself at night while drifting off to sleep. Am I being a good mother, am I doing all I can to make myself a better person?
This is very interesting article. I love to see the photos.. Very colorful and creative.
Very meaningful and interesting reading this blog. A lot of things we need to know..
There are so many questions we still need an answers. I enjoy reading this.. I can relate much.
A great point to make, sometimes I am asked questions that I simply can’t answer but sometimes that question is then answered at a later date.
Those are some crazy-hard questions! Honestly, I don’t think any of us knows what they would do until we are actually in a situation where we need to make a tough decision. We can say “oh, we’d do this or that,” but when the time comes, our fight or flight response kicks in and helps us make the “right” decision. Very interesting to think about!
Honestly, I love questions. I ask a lot of them and am very willing to answer.
Well said by Henri Nouwen. We need to look inside and think, and make a wonderful world around us.
I reflect to myself when i read these one! So much inspiring these article. So good.
These is great article! I really inspired here this is really serious questions! Thanks for sharing this.
Very nice post. It really gives you a lot to think about.
Huh… this really has me thinking. This was beautifully written, thanks!
xoxo
Tyler
oh wow, toughest decision… there’ve been a few of late. Standing up for myself was the hardest one I made but it was worth it for my happiness. lovely words, beautifully written!
Wow. Interesting questions. Humans rarely have all the answers which is why we must look above and beyond for guidance. Aka God.
Wow! This makes a lot of sense. There will always be tough choices in life and it’s up to us to decide on them. We can’t always know which decision is right or wrong and that’s what makes these questions scary. I think this post is a good reminder to think things through but also consider the fact that there are decisions that will require us to take risks.
I love reading this article. Too meaningful and interesting. I love the quote ” Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers”. Well said.
Oh gosh, I can only imagine how hard moving to a whole new country would have been! I thought moving across state was hard! Kudos to you for taking the plunge!
Very interesting to read! I love it. The quote is so true. Thanks for sharing this.
Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers it is said very well. I love the post very much. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Getting stumped is sometimes an invitation to rethink what we know. – I relate to this sentence very well.
I’m not sure what my toughest decision to the present time has been. I feel there has been many pivotal moments and big decisions over the years. If I had to pick one, I suppose it would be my choice to move away from home at the age of 18. It was something I had planned to do since the age of 12, and I kept true to my word and did so. It was extraordinarily difficult, and undeniably changed the course of my life.
My goodness, those are very tough questions indeed, and I certainly am not sure how I would react to some of them. I think giving your life up for your children is a bit of a no-brainer but its not always as easy as that as you suggest. On a slightly different note I think, in the stress world we both inhabit, remaining kind and selfless is the mark of a certain kind of hero and faced with these dilemmas I would bear that in mind. Long time no hear from you, but I hope you are well and have a really lovely Christmas x
A moment in which someone asked me a question I wasn’t sure how to answer: great question! So far, I’ve been pretty lucky, answers come easily, so, maybe, “Did you like your gift?” It was much appreciated! would be my reply.
Oh man so many tough decisions in my life I have had to make. Most my tough decisions involve what is in my kids best interest in life.
Wow these are some really hard decisions. I think ultimately we would always choose an option that would save the most lives etc. I had to make a decision once whether I moved overseas and become a nanny for a year or stay and take a job that was in line with what I wanted to do with my career. I took the job and a few months later I was pregnant. You never know what is in store.
I feel you have hard decisions/questions every week of your life. It’s what makes you who you are!
I can’t really think of a tough decision. I love that you mentioned the line in the sand. Sometimes that line is not quite as clear as others.
Great post! There are certainly some tough questions to answer out there. I love your take on this post.
what a great post reading to start a new day! thank you for posting this
My tough test decision I made today to remove both my girls from the public school system. It was an easy decision but I asked a lot of tough questions and made the best decision I could. There are some tough questions and challenges in life. You do what you gotta do.
Very positive and informative post, thank you for sharing your thoughts and spreading positivity!
My thoughest decision was to end relations to people I loved but was very rude and condesending to me. Also to go on sickleave from my dream job. Great post, makes you really think. And I like that 🙂
There are so many tough questions in life.
Wow those are tough situations, especially the case about the doctor. While many won’t agree with my decision, but I think the answer to that question is to do what would help the greater good. But thats my opinion on it
I really love the answer in this phrase “What is worth living for and what is worth dying for?”… yes its true, Love is the answer.. this is really interestng page!
The job one would be easy. The job goes to the most qualified to do the best job. The train dilemma… impossible. 🙁
These are great reflection scenarios, because i feel like i am asked questions regularly or put in a scenario that i don’t know how to handle. I have to step back and really think about what i know. It the challenge of everyday life.
Ah, those moral dilemmas are always very difficult. It’s interesting that there isn’t always an obvious, logical answer to go with.
Very thought provoking post on some of the biggest questions in life. I’m still looking for the answers to those!
I would have a hard time with these examples. Morals are there for a reason.
I love this quote. “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” I enjoy reading your blog. So amazing and inspiring.
The toughest decision we have made to date is whether we should move to Norway and leave the US behind. We ended up doing it and it has been the best decision!
Oh man! Those are some tough questions you asked! I’m glad I’m not the doctor who has to make that decision!
A very interesting post which leaves you with so much to think about. I like that as I write about motivation and inspiration and love self-reflection.
I can’t even imagine trying to answer these types of questions and I hope I am never in a position where I have to. These questions have no right answers and all very wrong answers.
I think those questions are the hardest to answer. A lot of the choices would be emotionally driven, in the moment.
Tough questions can have such a profound impact on our lives. You never know what will happen next so you just have to try your best to answer them.
Such an interesting topic. The questions posed in this post really make you think about how you would handle certain situations. I think you have to do what is right for you, without risking your morals and values.
I love these questions of what would you do ???? It’s so true we all have a choice in absolutely everything we do!
My toughest decision? Finding a happy medium with my blog! Am I happy? Are my readers happy? Am I providing enough content? Are they satisfied? Great article – and great motivational quotes too. I like the David Bowie one. Some things are meant to be done right away – or you will never get to enjoy it.
Great article and motivational quotes. My toughest decisions right now is whether or not there is a happy medium between my readers and myself. Are they getting enough content? Am I helping? Thanks for the read!
My toughest decision to date? There have been a couple of those during the last years. One of the toughest has been the decision to leave my country.
Morality is always a tough question. Esp when we share our living space with someone who who has a differnt calibre to gauge morals!!
Those questions are really tough. I think the toughest ones I’ve had to answer involved when to remove my dying parents from life support.
Tough questions can really effect our lives deeply. You never know what life has in store so you just have to try your best to answer those questions!
It is crazy how every one has a different set of “moral standards sometimes” I love to think human nature has standards as a whole but people prove us wrong. Great things to ponder
My toughest decision? If I should come back to work after 9 months of maternity. It’s really tough because my baby is so small:( great read as always- thanks
I love your daily word prompt article. So many hard questions and only we are in charge of how we answer them.
This is inspiring and I relate on some things. This is very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this post really makes you think. Thank you for sharing.
Tough questions are an inevitable part of life. I feel like with any decision, there’s always things to way … you give up and you gain.
Nina
The decision to get divorced was soooo hard for me. It took me quite a while to be certain about that. I don’t have regrets though.
The questions for the skilled doctor and for the father, as far as I am concerned are indeed the toughest questions ever. If I were them, I am terribly puzzled on what to answer. Well, sometimes conscience will prompt you on what to do on such questions and sacrifices are unavoidable.
Such a beautiful quote from Voltaire on how a man could be judged. I think we all make so many decisions every day, but there are few that makes a long lasting impact in our life. To me the decision to work from home after resigning my job was a big decision that made a huge difference in my life!
I think there are times when you don’t actually know what your decision or choice is going to be up until the very moment. Some of these are challenging to think about.
Will life I agree is full of tough decisions one needs to take. The questions scenarios you have posted really baffled me. Sometimes we sacrifice for the greater good while other times we look the other way round. But I feel these tough decisions often teach us valuable lessons and make us grow as a person.
I love trying to see things from different angles. It is always good to revisit your way of thinking
I read those questions you posed and they are all sticky situations no one would like to be trapped in. Ethical questions always pop up in medical situations that involve life and death. That decision of hiring a friend instead of someone who seemed more qualified seems wrong now, but would probably be the better decision in the long run.
What a nice post and a good quotes for me for this day
It’s always hard to be in a dilemma or a tough position. I also see it as you have options and whatever you decide on as long as you stand by it. you should live by it.
This is such a great post. I’ve added it to my stumbles
awesome read thanks for sharing. i have had several tough decisions. the one at this very moment is deciding if i should go back for my masters.
What an amazing and thought-provoking post! Seem quite simple questions, but often we can’t find the answer.
Really needed to read this today, thanks and contemplate my answers.
My hardest decision this year was to get back up after i had failed monumentally and ungracefully. to climb back out of that despair was certainly no easy task and it almost ruined me for good,
This is indeed a point to ponder upon. According to me the toughest questions are the ones asked by life to us…and yes, kids!!!
Another great post that is thought provoking and really makes you examine your own moral compass and where you draw the line.
The toughest questions are always those whom tough to get any answer.. Sigh~
Honest the scenarios from Listverse have put the fear of God back into me, first scenario I would simply say I have an obligation to save even just one life so I would choose to give the healing medicine to the sick person. Then about the guard wanting to kick one son’s chair to save the other maybe because I am not a parent but I wouldnt want to choose and I would kill the guard instead lol
I love these kinds of asking what if questions! They yield the best reflections! ~http://viabella-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/
O love your posts. This makes me think about a lot of things about life. Thanks
The first quote by Voltaire has such a deep meaning! We make various decisions in our day to day lives and most of them doesn’t go the way we want but we continue moving forward!
I have faced many tough questions in my life. Sometimes truthful answers can be harder to face than tough questions.