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Originally Posted by Root  I feel that most of a person's problems, be it an addiction (eating, drinking, smoking, weed or cigarettes, drugs in general even) interaction with authority figures, or one another is caused entirely by lack of discipline. |
I'm inclined to disagree with Root. Such social problems are not entirely the fault of lack of self-discipline. Say rather that a lack of self-discipline is a major
factor in these social problems. For it is true that social problems would be prevented by high self-discipline, but there are a host of other factors involved. Self-discipline is an internal factor. External factors may include peers, the media, society, the physical environment, and leaders. Let us use an example: someone with weak self-discipline may not become a drug addict when not in contact with an environment where drugs are in circulation (e.g. poor neighbourhoods, peers). However if they were part of that same environment they have a high chance of becomming a drug addict. A highly self-disciplined person may, on the other hand, be able to avoid temptation and not become an addict. But forgive me for my simplification.
With regards to the first question, respect for authority has deteriorated. It has been doing so at an ever increasing rate, since the Vietnam war of the 1960s. This was the first generation where the youth gained a significant voice in the system, and has brought along with it some good things like student activism and political understanding among the youth. However, it was also the first time a younger generation challenged the authority of the older one. This 'tradition' continues until today, and is re-enforced by the media. I am shocked each time I see an American highschool scene on TV. However, many people see it, and regard it as an acceptable thing to challenge authority. Don't get me wrong; I believe in challenging authority, but
only when there is a
just cause. Authority should be challenged, but also respected; be made to answer, but not insulted; be pressured to represent, but not unreasonably. Indeed, poor discipline is but a factor causing this less than ideal relationship between authority and us.