BALLANG, Pancy Jane P.

CE 2N ThF 10:30-12:00

BSN 2-C

To start our discussion on these topic, kindly answer the following questions
sincerely:

1. What is the highest good of man?

― Every human activity aims at some end that we consider good. The highest ends are ends in
themselves, while subordinate ends may only be means to higher ends. Eudaimonia is
the highest human good, the only human good that is desirable for its own sake (as an end in itself)
rather than for the sake of something else (as a means toward some other end) according to Aristotle.
Every living or human-made thing, including its parts, has a unique or characteristic function or activity
that distinguishes it from all other things. The highest good of a thing consists of the good performance
of its characteristic function, and the virtue or excellence of a thing consists of whatever traits or
qualities enable it to perform that function well. However, some may agree that happiness is the highest
good because we choose happiness as an end sufficient in itself. Even intelligence and virtue are not
good only in themselves, but good also because they make us happy.
2. Why I am here on earth?
― Just like every snowflake is different, God created me to be unique. There has never been anyone else
like me, and there never will be anyone else like you. There have probably been times in my life when I
have felt that way. Was I born just to have a bunch or problems? Was I put on this planet just to have
heartache and grief and stress? Or should I need to create my own purpose such as discovering my
dream, go after my goals, have some ambitions, dream big dreams, aim high and believe I can achieve
them all and mostly never giving up? Because for me, my purpose is so much greater than my personal
fulfillment. It's far greater than my own happiness or even my own peace of mind. I was created to be
loved by God. That's one major reason that I am on this earth for. I was created to be loved by God.
God is love. Love creates and God created me. He didn't need me. He wasn't lonely, but he wanted to
love me. That's why I am here, to be loved by God.

3. What is the purpose of my life?

― Why do exist? What is my purpose here one earth? I believe that we are all living for something. I
believe that every life is essential including positive purposes. I believe in learning everyday through
making differences and carrying the truth even when no one is watching. Everyone has a purpose.
Everything has a purpose. Everyday has a purpose. And so am I. My purpose in life is exactly what is
stated in the bible, to live for Jesus Christ and reflect his attitude. I learned that life isn’t just about that
one simple question and instead of turning it into something big why not work towards getting that
purpose. My purpose in life is to live, learn, grow, and be the best version of me. To live is to have the
opportunity to be on Earth, live however I’d like bust most of all I will make the best and most meaning
of it. As written on Proverbs 16:4. "The Lord has made everything for his own purpose. " For his own
purpose. God hasn't made anything that doesn't have a purpose. And God has purposes for my life that
I am going to dig into them deeply.
Reflection/ Performance Task:

“Watch the Movie “Pursuit of Happyness” (Starring Will Smith) which can be accessed in You Tube, or
other sources, then do the following:
1. Enumerate the characters in the movie and identify their specific role/s
Characters Roles
Chris Gardner Father of Christopher
Linda Wife of Chris Gardner
Christoper Son of Chris and Linda

2. Summarize the movie (in your own words, do not copy-paste from the internet) in Ten (10)
sentences.
― The main character, Chris Gardner, a father who has bright and talented, but marginally
employed salesman is struggling and doing everything he can to make ends meet. Lately,
Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son homeless from their San Francisco apartment
with nowhere to go. Without any money or a wife, but committed to his son, Chris sees a chance
to fight for a stockbroker internship position. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious
stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in
pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them. Even though Chris found a job, his
position does not pay money. Before he can receive pay, he needs to surpass the competition
through 6 months of training, and to sell his devices to stay afloat. And the pair must live in
shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to
create a better life for himself and his son. The final scene shows Chris walking with his son
down a street. His son is telling him a joke, when a wealthy business man in a suit walks past.
Chris looks back as the man continues on. The man in the suit is none other than the real Chris
Gardner.

3. What type of hedonism ethic is portrayed in the movie, and why do you think so?
― Individualistic hedonism is being portrayed in the movie as seen in the main character, Chris
who had a strong faith, worked hard using his talents to overcome his obstacles. He freely
pursued joy and live life in a way that makes him happy, and he did not do anything illegal or
violate the rights of others. He worked hard not just for himself but also to his son just to attain
their dreams and be happy all the rest of their life even without having a wife. Chris did not give
up in reaching the success he wanted to have for his family which would show a type of an
individualistic hedonism of being a positive thinker despite having all the struggles.

4. What lessons or insights have you learned from the movie? (one –two pages)

The love between a father and a son is something unbreakable, it is the healthiest and most
beautiful feeling that can be had, and this story is a reflection of that where some of us will learn how
important the love of a father is. The evidence of that love between both overcame all the obstacles that
appeared in their lives because they always remained united. Despite not have good economic
conditions, Chris guaranteed his son safety and emotional stability based on the son’s trust in the father
and the support of each day. The two shared moments together like going to the park or playing
basketball, never neglecting their obligations as father. Their union was something to admire since their
love was stronger than all the problems they had.
Also, I learned that happiness is not something that can be pursued, happiness comes from
within and of being satisfied with yourself. People can choose to be happy or not, but for that they need
to have a particular motivation or self-determination. In this story, the difficulties of the protagonist, such
as the abandonment of his wife, the loss of his job, the care of his son, the loss of his home and the stay
in a shelter for homeless people, these didn’t make to lose his motivation to fight until the end and
become in a successful stockbroker. His motivation was always his son, the one who reminded him daily
of his need to succeed and control his life.

This movie also taught many lessons that are relevant to academics and careers.
For example, I learned how important and crucial education is for being successful. When Chris
was filling out the application for the internship, he mentioned that there were six lines under
post high-school education, and that he had no need for those lines. Education also prepares you for
any career you choose. But of course, the brain and heart should be together. Keep your feet on the
ground. I realized that it is not impossible to make your dreams come true. No matter how big it is, no
matter how far it is and no matter what and where you are. And there it is in the movie, Chris Gardner,
plays a role as a father and a dreamer, work like hard- fought. He goes to work, no food and no drink,
only make a phone call to his client. After work he has to take his son in a daycare and then go to
homeless shelter in line. He has to make it, because it will get them stay homeless and no place to go,
no place to get a rest. Every person has their own dream. The matter is only how they still keep their
dreams come true and how long they can hold out the pressure and the way how to make it. There is
one wise word that I still rely on. If you have a dream, keep it in your heart. Don’t let people break your
dream. Reach it until you cry with tears of joy.

Moreover, it made me realize that my effort to reach my dream is not yet finished. I still need to
keep trying and not to give up. It is like a reflection how my effort to get my dream to become more and
more powerful. I cannot stay and just keep grumbling. I have to move on and don’t let the people break
my dream. Perhaps, my dream is not as big as Chris Gardner. The condition is different. He is a man
and a father who is keeping fight for his happiness. Fight with his real condition. While me, I am a
student who is still managing her future. However, although it is different, dream is dream and we have
to make them come true. I have been fighting when I was in previous school to continue my study in a
college. I win. However, it is not the end of everything. It is only the start of everything. I have to
manage my dream and the target is to when I will reach it. For now, it is only the process that I have to
keep it running, running on its track. Sometimes, there are many things that block my way. Sometimes,
I fall down. Here, there is no one can stand alone. I need the people around me to support, to remind,
and accompany me.

Likewise, the key to happiness is to fight and improve ourselves each day, not matter what
efforts we have to face. To achieve our dreams, we need dedication, self-confidence, good attitude, love
for what we do, and this incredible story has a bit of all that. The desires of determination and
overcoming of Chris to give a better life to his son, made him be a persistent and optimistic person
before each failure. An example of success is his insertion in the business world as a stockbroker, where
despite that he did not have salary, he accepts with the hope of finishing the curriculum with a job and a
promising future. His determination to excel led him to success, to be hired and win the attention and
admiration of his superiors. This show the wide capacity that human beings have before stressful
situations and the values and skills that we should all have to reach our goals, regardless of problems or
difficulties.

In conclusion, this film promotes values such as, perseverance, motivation, and determination to
build a good future. The love of the family is fundamental for the path of success. It is important to learn
to face our problems with good character and good attitude despite of the rejections, offenses, or bad
thoughts. Learn to never give up and accept faults and mistakes as life lessons to continue surpassing
us. Every road to happiness is difficult, but in the end always get the reward.