i like roadmaps. to see where i possibly might go. i have a general feel for the destination, but the interim stops are every bit as important - a single-minded focus on the end is simply the wrong path to take sometimes. everyone's definition is going to be different, so here's a stab at it.
level 1: helping the old lady cross the street, casual monetary donations.
level 2: casual vegetarian. exploring altruism, moral progress, realizing there may be a way of life other than a pure pursuit of self-interest. being helpful to people even though it may cause me trouble.
level 3: weekday vegetarian. regular voluntary work. regular sharing of findings. come to terms with more money really doesn't matter. helping people with truly no expectation of return favors.
level 4: vegetarian. at least 50% of time is doing things that have a more direct benefit on others.
level 5: vegan. working in non-profit, majority of life dedicated to non-self interest issues.
level 6: true selflessness. devotion to mankind. everything i have is yours.
so is this going to make me feel better? or one day on the path, i will think, all of this pain and goody goody doing for naught? i get nothing in return, and the world hasn't changed an inch?
