Comment by mindcrime

Ask HN: What is the most important thing in life?

I don't accept the idea that there is any universally applicable, objective answer to this question. I believe the answer varies for every individual and that each individual's answer is equally valid.

It is to deliver the maximum amount of utility to other people.

I find "utility" in this sentence to be under-specified. I like the general sentiment but it's too hand-wavy for me, to accept as "the" general principle of "what's the most important thing in life" even if it were possible to have such a general principle.

"be good and help everyone especially when they need it",

I think this is an excellent motto to live but, but I would stop short, again, of calling it "the" most important thing in life in a universal sense.

I do, as a point of fact, value helping others. Just to illustrate, I went to the local grocery store and picked up a case of cans of Campbell's Chunky Soup earlier this week and took to the local food pantry to help out with people who are struggling to get meals. Later I plan to go buy a few blankets and take over to donate for people who are homeless and need at least some way to keep warm as winter approaches. I do this kind of stuff because I like helping others. Same reason I spent a decade or so as a volunteer firefighter. I enjoy public service. But at the end of it all, I still would not necessarily agree that "deliver[ing] the maximum amount of utility to other people" is the most important thing in life. I'd just rank it pretty highly as "one of the important things".