why do people say "the world owes you nothing"

[Darkover]

Being depressed and hearing the words "the world owes you nothing" just makes everything worse. Or this quote I recently read was just disgusting:

The world doesn't owe you happiness, health, love, respect, or money. The world owes you nothing. You are where you are because of your decisions, not because of your circumstances. Stop whining and stop being bitter. Take responsibility for yourself. Be big enough to say this is my life, I'm responsible for it, and I'm going to make something of it. —Isaiah Hankel

Like wtf? I didn't ask to be here in the first place, and now you're telling me I have no right to expect anything in this life? If that saying were true, it would be fine to just neglect babies and beat people up because the world owes you nothing, no protection, no justice, no compassion. If that quote is true, then why do people want free healthcare? Why does 911 exist? Why do basic human rights exist? No one deserves love? Like what?? Why don't you try telling that quote to someone who was r*ped as a child, or who watched their parents die right in front of them?
So if you don't owe me anything, why should I owe you anything? Like my own life? If this world "owes you nothing", this world is awful and I just don't want to be a part of it anymore.

 

[davidtorez]

Being depressed and hearing the words "the world owes you nothing" just makes everything worse. Or this quote I recently read was just disgusting:

Like wtf? I didn't ask to be here in the first place, and now you're telling me I have no right to expect anything in this life? If that saying were true, it would be fine to just neglect babies and beat people up because the world owes you nothing, no protection, no justice, no compassion. If that quote is true, then why do people want free healthcare? Why does 911 exist? Why do basic human rights exist? No one deserves love? Like what?? Why don't you try telling that quote to someone who was r*ped as a child, or who watched their parents die right in front of them?
So if you don't owe me anything, why should I owe you anything? Like my own life? If this world "owes you nothing", this world is awful and I just don't want to be a part of it anymore.

Bingo!

 

[Captive_Mind515]

Life owes us a beating or two it seems...

Life is like fighting prime Mike Tyson. You know you can't win, but you get praised for jumping in the ring and surviving a few rounds while getting your ass handed to you.

 

[Shar]

As harsh as this sounds, it is purely true. The world owes you absolutely nothing. There is nothing in the universe that says you have to be happy or just because you have suffered a lot then you deserve a happy ending.

People also owe you nothing. Every debt we create with someone is nothing more than rules that only exist in our heads, but objectively speaking they don't exist and the universe doesn't give a damn.

This reality just makes me feel even worse, because it reminds me how cold life is. No matter how much someone suffers, there is no guarantee of peace. It also means that horrible people can get anything they want and be happier than you from start to finish.

 

[R_N]

It is true but the issue is how some can take everything from you, even your life, and society will still say you are owed nothing.

Nature is not fair but the amount of gaslighting we go through is crazy. They will make you believe in anything, and you will be convinced how good you have it. But you are in their hands completely as long as you obey the rules. And if not, you are a threat if your voice has a reach.

 

[4.I.2.Must.Die]

Both you AND the world owes EACHOTHER nothing!!

It's not a 1 way disappointment.​

 

[Hollowman]

Because they're fucking idiots.

 

[Ephemeron]

Dr. Isaiah Hankel is a former PhD who founded Cheeky Scientist.

Dr. Isaiah Hankel is the Founder and CEO of Cheeky Scientist.

Isaiah is an accomplished business leader, author and entrepreneur.

Typical arrogant piece of shit that probably cruised by in life, had decent parents who paid for his education, etc. etc. and thinks he "earned" his place in life. Fuck him.

 

[Bianka]

The world doesn't owe you anything how could it? It exist and you exist. The conclusion they drew from that is the thing that's sickening

 

[SilentSadness]

I agree, I also find it quite insensitive for them to say "stop whining" as if the problems are all superficial. Just because it gives you nothing doesn't mean it owes you nothing.

 

[reclaimedbynature]

They wouldn't use this same logic on a baby:

''Sorry, I know I conceived you, I know you're vulnerable and have very human needs like me but I owe you nothing, so perish.''

The universe exists - for us to make of this game of survival what we will. We all have to comply to the rules of this game - and I don't just mean the ones created by man. We've only gotten this far because the rules of this game requires us to co-exist with nature and each other, we are social creatures after all. And as much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, we do not and can not exist apart from nature (or our own nature for that matter). We all know what it's like to be exposed to the elements or to suffer from hunger, thirst, fear, loneliness, exhaustion and pain. I'll never understand it, why people would rather use this poor excuse to impose these things onto others when we have the tools and knowledge to do better. Isn't the goal to alleviate suffering?

''No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.'' - John Donne

 

[sserafim]

I guess because life is survival of the fittest. People think that making something out of themselves from nothing, pulling themselves up from their bootstraps and toughing it out are virtuous signs of character. America has this kind of mentality

Life owes us a beating or two it seems...

Life is like fighting prime Mike Tyson. You know you can't win, but you get praised for jumping in the ring and surviving a few rounds while getting your ass handed to you.

Life owes me a return ticket to peacefully and effortlessly go back to where I came from (the void aka non-existence) at anytime

 

[walkingdead2023]

Being depressed and hearing the words "the world owes you nothing" just makes everything worse. Or this quote I recently read was just disgusting:

Like wtf? I didn't ask to be here in the first place, and now you're telling me I have no right to expect anything in this life? If that saying were true, it would be fine to just neglect babies and beat people up because the world owes you nothing, no protection, no justice, no compassion. If that quote is true, then why do people want free healthcare? Why does 911 exist? Why do basic human rights exist? No one deserves love? Like what?? Why don't you try telling that quote to someone who was r*ped as a child, or who watched their parents die right in front of them?
So if you don't owe me anything, why should I owe you anything? Like my own life? If this world "owes you nothing", this world is awful and I just don't want to be a part of it anymore.

That's why we're here to find a way to leave world.. my grandma said once " this world is not meant to be heaven it's for people to suffer and struggle as a test" " her believes of course".. what I'm saying is quotes just like pants they are not "one size fits all" so we don't agree with it and that's "our beliefs"

 

[TimeTrigger48]

People use the phrase "life isn't fair" to justify some of the most vile actions

 

[ijustwishtodie]

People say that to continue to justify being selfish

 

[astonishedturnip]

People are just assholes to each other and it's only gotten worse. No one has the slightest empathy for people suffering and grieving, they'd rather stick their heads in the sand and act like sociopaths because either 1) they faced those trials and are too much of sociopaths to empathize with someone struggling through the same thing or 2) they haven't actually had anything bad happen to them and it's easy to spout grindbro platitudes. Even friends feel like they no longer owe their own friends compassion, empathy, or a shoulder to cry on. The rise of therapy has, ironically, just allowed people to subcontract basic friendship (now known as "emotional labor") to an expensive third party that they can blame you for not pursuing -- as though therapy is a fix-all or even something that universally works. And if you're flailing, it's just your fault and it's your responsibility to get out of this vacuous black hole, by lifting weights or taking a bath or something.

It's grim. And it's going to get EVEN worse.

 

[wait.what]

People don't say "the world owes you nothing" because they want to talk about whether the social compact has earthly or divine origins. The idea is to imply that said compact allots rights, especially property rights, to them but not to you. Usually, someone like this explains class and wealth discrepancies in terms of who has "earned" what, which doesn't make a lot of sense given that they opened the conversation with the premise that concepts like "deserving" and "owing" are artificial and void.

It's sort of tempting to agree heartily about the general nullity of property rights while slashing the tires on some smug bastard's Jag, but then he'll just call his friends among the police brass and have you beaten within an inch of your life. Somehow, the Venn diagram of people who dismiss the basic concept of social justice and people who are huge fans of the criminal justice system is a near perfect circle.

 

[Little_Suzy]

Is this the Day Drinking Group?

I am not liable for anything that did not originate from my vagina as my own flesh and blood.

This world owes you nothing! It's for the best!

Without a doubt, earning what you want without any strings attached, whether you want to keep it or give it away, is what peace of mind is all about.

 

[MatrixPrisoner]

Yes, the little children being slaughtered by Hamas could have avoided death if they just...you know..."took responsibility for themselves". They died "because of their decisions, not their circumtances."

 

[RemainingDubious]

Being depressed and hearing the words "the world owes you nothing" just makes everything worse. Or this quote I recently read was just disgusting:

Sorry i don't mean to cause any offence to you or anyone in explaining "the world owes you nothing" part.

The harsh reality is that statement is factual. You being depressed, feeling that makes it worse and finding it disgusting is entirely on you. Anybody's personal opinion doesn't change that fact.

Like wtf? I didn't ask to be here in the first place

Did the world ask you to be here?
Did every other sentient being on the planet agree you should be here?

and now you're telling me I have no right to expect anything in this life?

You can expect anything you want. Expectations are completely personal those expectations are likely to be unmet which will only make you disappointed. The majority of the other inhabitants on earth couldn't care less about your expectations. The majority of the other inhabitants don't know you exist. You'll like have no impact on everything else.

it would be fine to just neglect babies and beat people up

Who's to say it isn't? How do you know thousands of years ago it wasn't common for parents to eat their babies when they had no food?

What if someone was dying of some terminal illness and the only joy they got was from beating people up? Who are you to deny them what makes them happy? Why should they spend their finite time they have left miserable?

no protection, no justice, no compassion. If that quote is true, then why do people want free healthcare? Why does 911 exist? Why do basic human rights exist? No one deserves love?

Do you believe these existed thousands of years ago?

Like what?? Why don't you try telling that quote to someone who was r*ped as a child, or who watched their parents die right in front of them?
So if you don't owe me anything, why should I owe you anything? Like my own life? If this world "owes you nothing", this world is awful and I just don't want to be a part of it anymore.

Where is this wonderful contract everyone is born with that states they will be loved, they will never get r*ped or watch their parents die? Who promised that? What compensation do they receive if they're not given what you believe they're owed?

"The world doesn't owe you happiness, health, love, respect, or money. The world owes you nothing." That is factual.

"You are where you are because of your decisions, not because of your circumstances." That isn't entirely true since babies and toddlers disprove that. It holds some truth in adulthood.

"Stop whining and stop being bitter" That's good advice for most adults, since most adults remain bitter, blaming everyone else for their misery and their toxicity. hurt people hurt people. Instead of even attempting to be better, most people would rather remain bitter

"Take responsibility for yourself." That is also good advice. We have no control over what others say and do, but we are solely responsible for how we respond.


"Be big enough to say this is my life, I'm responsible for it, and I'm going to make something of it." i personally don't agree with that since who decided what the requirements are for making something out of a life? People might want to.

What is it exactly that you think you're entitled to? And what is so special about you as a individual that makes you believe you are entitled?

 

[suicidal flapper]

"The world owes you nothing"

Tell that to the many people who's rights are being taken away by the government and the many tax paying citizens whose money don't go towards actual healthcare.

This Isaiah guy probably never suffered poverty or a severe mental illness a day in his privileged life

Sorry i don't mean to cause any offence to you or anyone in explaining "the world owes you nothing" part.

The harsh reality is that statement is factual. You being depressed, feeling that makes it worse and finding it disgusting is entirely on you. Anybody's personal opinion doesn't change that fact.


Did the world ask you to be here?
Did every other sentient being on the planet agree you should be here?


You can expect anything you want. Expectations are completely personal those expectations are likely to be unmet which will only make you disappointed. The majority of the other inhabitants on earth couldn't care less about your expectations. The majority of the other inhabitants don't know you exist. You'll like have no impact on everything else.


Who's to say it isn't? How do you know thousands of years ago it wasn't common for parents to eat their babies when they had no food?

What if someone was dying of some terminal illness and the only joy they got was from beating people up? Who are you to deny them what makes them happy? Why should they spend their finite time they have left miserable?


Do you believe these existed thousands of years ago?


Where is this wonderful contract everyone is born with that states they will be loved, they will never get r*ped or watch their parents die? Who promised that? What compensation do they receive if they're not given what you believe they're owed?

"The world doesn't owe you happiness, health, love, respect, or money. The world owes you nothing." That is factual.

"You are where you are because of your decisions, not because of your circumstances." That isn't entirely true since babies and toddlers disprove that. It holds some truth in adulthood.

"Stop whining and stop being bitter" That's good advice for most adults, since most adults remain bitter, blaming everyone else for their misery and their toxicity. hurt people hurt people. Instead of even attempting to be better, most people would rather remain bitter

"Take responsibility for yourself." That is also good advice. We have no control over what others say and do, but we are solely responsible for how we respond.


"Be big enough to say this is my life, I'm responsible for it, and I'm going to make something of it." i personally don't agree with that since who decided what the requirements are for making something out of a life? People might want to.

What is it exactly that you think you're entitled to? And what is so special about you as a individual that makes you believe you are entitled?

Oh shut up

 

[Darkover]

Sorry i don't mean to cause any offence to you or anyone in explaining "the world owes you nothing" part.

The harsh reality is that statement is factual. You being depressed, feeling that makes it worse and finding it disgusting is entirely on you. Anybody's personal opinion doesn't change that fact.


Did the world ask you to be here?
Did every other sentient being on the planet agree you should be here?


You can expect anything you want. Expectations are completely personal those expectations are likely to be unmet which will only make you disappointed. The majority of the other inhabitants on earth couldn't care less about your expectations. The majority of the other inhabitants don't know you exist. You'll like have no impact on everything else.


Who's to say it isn't? How do you know thousands of years ago it wasn't common for parents to eat their babies when they had no food?

What if someone was dying of some terminal illness and the only joy they got was from beating people up? Who are you to deny them what makes them happy? Why should they spend their finite time they have left miserable?


Do you believe these existed thousands of years ago?


Where is this wonderful contract everyone is born with that states they will be loved, they will never get r*ped or watch their parents die? Who promised that? What compensation do they receive if they're not given what you believe they're owed?

"The world doesn't owe you happiness, health, love, respect, or money. The world owes you nothing." That is factual.

"You are where you are because of your decisions, not because of your circumstances." That isn't entirely true since babies and toddlers disprove that. It holds some truth in adulthood.

"Stop whining and stop being bitter" That's good advice for most adults, since most adults remain bitter, blaming everyone else for their misery and their toxicity. hurt people hurt people. Instead of even attempting to be better, most people would rather remain bitter

"Take responsibility for yourself." That is also good advice. We have no control over what others say and do, but we are solely responsible for how we respond.


"Be big enough to say this is my life, I'm responsible for it, and I'm going to make something of it." i personally don't agree with that since who decided what the requirements are for making something out of a life? People might want to.

What is it exactly that you think you're entitled to? And what is so special about you as a individual that makes you believe you are entitled?

People don't owe you their time, energy, or friendship, etc. And viceversa.
This doesn't mean that everyone is an asshole and you should be one too. But it does mean that you should expect, on some level, that you have to take care of yourself, because nobody owes you their help. So when someone offers you their help, be grateful. And when you see someone that needs help, try to help.

Keep your expectations low and you won't be disappointed
It means that you are responsible for yourself.
But I really dislike the term since it paints the world as a cold and cruel place without any love. And I think it's a rather calloused statement, since it doesn't apply to every situation.
You owe others common decency and a basic level of respect, is probably the best example.

 

[RemainingDubious]

"The world owes you nothing"

Tell that to the many people who's rights are being taken away by the government and the many tax paying citizens whose money don't go towards actual healthcare.

You do realise that fact applies to all sentient beings right? Have i actually said the world owes some people and not others? No i haven't since i actually understand the statement.

This Isaiah guy probably never suffered poverty or a severe mental illness a day in his privileged life

So? That's irrelevant. The world owed him nothing either. You attempting to make it personal proves his very point. "Stop whining and stop being bitter"

Oh shut up

It isn't my fault you don't like facts, stay bitter if you want, It'll just prove the point.

How about you get over yourself, stop feeling so entitled telling people to shut up because facts hurt your feelings and prove me wrong. Come back with an undisputed list of things the world owes every sentient being.

People don't owe you their time, energy, or friendship, etc. And viceversa.

Exactly

This doesn't mean that everyone is an asshole and you should be one too. But it does mean that you should expect, on some level, that you have to take care of yourself, because nobody owes you their help. So when someone offers you their help, be grateful. And when you see someone that needs help, try to help.

Someone being a "asshole" is completely subjective. Every cow on earth may feel every human is a "asshole" if the world owed mankind. It owe animals too since they have feelings. They don't want to be violated and/or murdered for our taste buds.

Help is also subjective some people feel offended when help is offered. It makes some people feel like an invalid.

Where does it say people have to be grateful? What if they aren't?

Where does it say try to help people? What if someone hates humanity and wants mankind to become extinct?

Why should people spend their finite time being false to appease those who feel entitled?

It's like not getting someone a birthday present because you didn't get one last year from them. Things don't need to be reciprocated or even appreciated. Those who feel it does aren't doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They're doing it to make themselves feel better.

Keep your expectations low and you won't be disappointed

That is sound advice. i personally expect the worst but hope for the best.

It means that you are responsible for yourself.
But I really dislike the term since it paints the world as a cold and cruel place without any love. And I think it's a rather calloused statement, since it doesn't apply to every situation.

Unfortunately as a whole mankind has made the world a cold and cruel place. Obviously not everyone is responsible some have been more so than others. As a collective we haven't held those in a position with power accountable.

You owe others common decency and a basic level of respect, is probably the best example.

Unfortunately that isn't true. That sounds nice and i personally think that would make the world a much better place. There's people who are sadistic, they have thoughts and feelings too. If the world owes us happiness it owe them happiness too.

 

[RemainingDubious]

"the world owes you nothing"

That's absolutely factual.

If the world did indeed owe us happiness, etc. it owes us all equally.

So that would mean the world also owes: Murders, terrorists, pedophiles, rapists, racists, zoophiles, perverts, cannibals, dictators, animal abusers, sadists, etc their happiness too.

Do you honestly believe those are entitled too?

If this is hell, the creator is evil.
That makes them type of people likely to be the creators favourite type. They'd be right and we'd be the ones actually in the wrong. That would explain why it seems to be common for us to feel like we don't belong here. That explains why we're desperate to leave. We'd exist only to be prey.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I've found it's because they're tired of hearing me complaining. It may be because they've experienced similar hardships in life but they've worked hard to overcome them. So then- they get annoyed that other people aren't willing to put in the same effort and rather, expect everything to just happen for them.

Plus, they may have been told it themselves. Maybe it motivated them into action or maybe they hated it too but I've found that people tend to recycle platitudes and sayings- whether they believe in them or even adhere to them or not.

Plus, as you said, it's also a warning in a way- 'Don't expect things to fall in your lap- you need to go out and get the things you want in life.' I think that's true.

As for human rights though- I don't take it to mean- the world isn't going to bother protecting you from rape, malnutrition, murder. It's true that the world in terms of natural laws like gravity won't protect you but, that's why we have human laws.

I think it's really more just to say- stop being lazy and expecting stuff to come to you. Which isn't fun to hear but, it may be true for some of us. I'm perfectly willing to accept that it's true for me. But then- I'll also accept that I shouldn't be complaining about things I've brought upon myself. I don't have many friends because I haven't made the effort to make them and keep them. That was my choice. I could have done more in that regard- so- I don't exactly feel I have the right to complain that I'm lonely and no one cares. If I had bothered though- if I had made loads of effort and been shunned- that's a different story. Plus, obviously things like social anxiety can screw things up. But, there again- certain handicaps in life we do have the ability to overcome. It really depends I suppose on how bad it is.

But, I do kind of get it. Someone from a very difficult background who has fought tooth and nail to make it against all the odds likely is going to feel frustrated with someone who's had it relatively easy but just sits back and complains that they haven't had the breaks in life. I guess it's all comparitive really.

I guess it depends on what you believe in too. Like- what is achievement actually? Do some people have genes that naturally encourage them to keep going in life? Is it naturally easier for them or, do they just push on through? Is say lazyness an actual, genuine handicap?

 

[suicidal flapper]

That's absolutely factual.

If the world did indeed owe us happiness, etc. it owes us all equally.

So that would mean the world also owes: Murders, terrorists, pedophiles, rapists, racists, zoophiles, perverts, cannibals, dictators, animal abusers, sadists, etc their happiness too.

Do you honestly believe those are entitled too?

If this is hell, the creator is evil.
That makes them type of people likely to be the creators favourite type. They'd be right and we'd be the ones actually in the wrong. That would explain why it seems to be common for us to feel like we don't belong here. That explains why we're desperate to leave. We'd exist only to be prey.

I'm bitter because I'm frankly tired of seeing people like you. If the world doesn't owe anyone anything then I don't complain if someone gang beats the shit of you because the world nor society owed you bodily safety or basic decency. It's such a stupid quote made from a rich privileged entrepreneur

Also no, it's not really factual because universal facts or rules on matters like these don't exist. After all it's all subjective isn't it? I could easily argue that I owe the world literally everything and vice versa and it would be just as valid as this guy's silly little position

 

[TiredOfAllThis]

It works the other way around though.

 

[Deadfrogwalking]

We are all built for fight or flight,
Each of us has to choose one.
Live/fight, Die/flight.
The world owes nothing to anyone.
Never did, never will.
Birth is simply a biological function, death being the end result no matter your education, experiences or bank account.
As a 1 percenter in age groups on this site, I can tell you from over half a century of experience, the odds are against you from the first breath that's smacked out of you, even the best choices and most careful planning can result in the worst of scenarios without prejudice.
Until the monetary unit is abolished and we as so called sentient beings learn to take care of each other, rather than covet the monetary unit, it will only continue to get worse.
We all owe it to ourselves to make a choice, neither is easy,
Fight or Flight.
No disrespect to anyone intended, nuff said.

 

[RemainingDubious]

I'm bitter because I'm frankly tired of seeing people like you. If the world doesn't owe anyone anything then I don't complain if someone gang beats the shit of you because the world nor society owed you bodily safety or basic decency.

At least you accept you're bitter. You don't know me. You assume you do which show how fragile your feelings must be to become bitter because someone pointed out a truth you dislike. You're bitter because of something someone you don't know said

It's such a stupid quote made from a rich privileged entrepreneur

Also no, it's not really factual because universal facts or rules on matters like these don't exist. After all it's all subjective isn't it? I could easily argue that I owe the world literally everything and vice versa and it would be just as valid as this guy's silly little position

If it's so stupid why be bitter instead of better? You've attempted to make the authors circumstances relevant again which show your jealousy.

If your argument is equally valid as a "silly little position" why get so hurt over something that you even see as silly? That's what's really silly in my personal opinion.

Your sense of superiority won't ever bring you satisfaction.

 

[suicidal flapper]

At least you accept you're bitter. You don't know me. You assume you do yet you which show how fragile your feelings must be to becoming bitter because someone pointed out a truth you dislike. Your bitter because of someone you don't know said


If it's so stupid why be bitter instead of better? You've attempted to make the authors circumstances relevant again which show your jealousy.

If your argument is equally valid as a "silly little position" why get so hurt over something that you even see as silly? That's what's really silly in my personal opinion.

Your sense of superiority won't ever bring you satisfaction.

>because someone pointed out a truth you dislike

Not really. It's not a truth. It's not factual is it not?


> You've attempted to make the authors circumstances relevant again which show your jealousy.

The author's circumstances are relevant because most people in his class who claim statements like this don't understand the daily struggles of the world to even make such a claim. Why would they?

Just because something is silly doesn't mean it's not dangerous or aggravating. This mentality of the world owing nothing to anyone quite literally goes against basic human survival.

I guess 2 month timothy is gonna die because I don't owe him food and shelter despite bringing him into the world. I guess all the people's tax paying dollars that were supposed to go towards healthcare aren't owed healthcare. I guess all the transgender people who's rights are being stripped away from them aren't owed said rights despite being forced to stay in society.

Also I am envious of anyone who can afford to live so yeah I guess I am jealous but I'm primarily annoyed at anyone born into privilege making claims about the world to which they barely understand.

>Your sense of superiority won't ever bring you satisfaction.

I don't have a sense of superiority I just know people who use this statement have always ended up being assholes due to numerous observations