Friday, October 14, 2005

Decision making...

is part and parcel of our lives... When we make a decision about doing something, what are the things we consider?

Do we make a decision based on our impluse, if it doesn't work out this way, we'll try another. Do first, and change your stand as you go along. Or do we make a decision after thinking it through thoroughly? Plan, prepare, strategise and rationalise?

Do we make decision based on moral reasons or legal reasons. For example, if someone robs the bank because he need money so that he can afford his wife's expensive medical bills. Is that a bad decision?

Are we willing to make decisions that will break out hearts now, letting go the chance to be with someone you love, knowing that it won't work out. For example, a gay couple, who have decided to leave each other because they will never have blessings from their families, nor the society. Despite their love for each other, they know that at the point in life, it's just not possible for them to be together and be legitimate.

How many of you have regretted making decision to do or not do something? For example, people who have decided to confess to the person they have loved for a long time, but later found out that the feeling is not reciprocated. Where does regret come in then? When rejection is in your face? or not knowing how the other person feels for you? Would you rather not know how the other person feels for you? Do you regret knowing? or Do you regret not giving yourself the benefit of the doubt?

Don't we all face dilemmas when making decision? Like when you know someone who's girlfriend has just passed away is taking drugs to numb himself. Do you report him to the police? Get help for rehabilitation? Or allow him to indulge? Thinking that it's a phase that he'll probably get out of? But... What if he overdose, would you have regret that you didn't do what you should?

So what happens when you disagree with someone else's decision? Do you revoke it by fighting for it actively? Or do you compromise your decision or even... do you forgo your own decision? For example, when your parents dimish a child's ambition to be a soccer player. Can he act against it? Because the parents did it on the assumption that its to his best interest. Or can he compromise by saying that he will study and continue to go for soccer practice... or will he give up his dream to be a soccer player, because it's not practical and he should stop living in his own fantasy?

What about a making an ethical decision? For example, when someone who is terminally ill, does the doctor tell the patient that even by doing the surgery, he has very slim chance of surviving. It leaves the patient losing the will to fight on, and strong will has proven to be effective in sustaining one's life. One who has lose the will to live is better off dead... Harsh... but true...

What about the decision to tell a white lie? It is a justifiable decision? White lies are lies that are told to protect something or someone. For example, someone has accidentally got herself into a one night stand after drinking a few beers. If being intoxicated is the reason for her unfaithfulness, she has no intention to have a fling with another man, is the decision of not telling the truth to her husband a wise decision to make? Afterall a fling is a fling, no strings attached. Why let something as insignificant as this come in between the relationship?

This is not an exhaustive list of decisions that we make in this life time.. there are definitely a whole lot more...

I'm just being very emotional after reading something... Which has got nothing to do with decision making...

Anyway, life's still good...

Posted by Piglet at 6:41 PM

2 comments