Quote:yadda rote
In my mind, you appear to be intentionally, trying to confuse, the ['instrument'] 'consequences', with something esle, externally imposed moral constraints.
IMO, two entirely different things.
e.g.
If a child touches a hot wood stove, the child will likely burn its fingers!
And those, are 'consequences'!!
And the child, in future [if it has any sense!], will know, to abate its 'care-less' conduct when in the proximity of a hot wood stove.
As the child, in future [if it has any sense], will 'perceive' the potential consequences, of touching a hot wood stove!
It's a given that we learn to recoil from extreme heat. I am not sure how this is linked to my position?
Quote:yadda wrote
I would have thought that in this age, that highly competitive individuals, e.g. in sport or music, 'cultivate their talents' because they are seeking rewards [i.e. 'consequences', and $$$$$$$$$] ???
And that the true motivation, which is driving these individuals to excel above others, is not, because they want to 'master themselves', but rather to demonstrate to all others, that they ARE 'masters' [in their own field of expertise].
That, is a 'moral 'ethic' based on self-interest [i.e. base selfishness].
I am not sure of anyone who initially decides to take up learning a musical instrument or a sport solely for money. That usually doesn't occur until one becomes professional. Even then it's questionable whether they do it for money. There are easier ways to make money than all the effort it takes to become professional.
Anyway, this is kind of why I promoted intentions and not consequences in the opening post; intentions to build strength and courage, not intention to make money. Making money as the primary reason makes one a slave to market forces, hence one's internal ethic is not one's own.