Contributing To Society Isn’t For Everyone (By Miranda Cosgrove)

Medical careers. Tree removal services. Paying taxes. As you can see, there are many ways to contribute to society. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. In fact, contributing to society isn’t for everyone, and if you’re reading this in the middle of the day, chances are it isn’t for you.

There are many persistent myths regarding societal contributions. Many people argue that as a person living in a society, it’s your duty to provide something of need to that society, whether that contribution is big (legal infrastructure) or small (microwave repairs). These people would argue that there is no way to be in society if you are not contributing to it. 

That’s where I disagree. I think it is fine to belong to a society and enjoy the benefits afforded by its more fruitful members (air-conditioning, high quality shampoo) while bringing absolutely nothing to it yourself. Simply, most people are not designed for the contributory lifestyle, particularly those who are instead designed for the simple life. 

At this point, you may be wondering whether contributing to society is right for you. Fortunately—because I know coding and therefore contribute to society—I was able to build you the following quiz: 

SOCIETAL CONTRIBUTORY APTITUDE QUIZ

1 = YES
2 = MAYBE
3 = NO

If you were in a burning building, would you help others escape?
Are you in possession of zeal?
Do you prefer making sick children smile to spending four weeks on the couch?

Mostly YES: Your societal contributory aptitude is high. Consider careers like hauling lumber or giving vaccines.
Mostly MAYBE: Your societal contributory aptitude is moderate. Consider being a social media coordinator or veterinarian.
Mostly NO: Your societal contributory aptitude is low. Consider being a bum or an actress.

I hope that my quiz helped you! If you are surprised to learn you offer no contributions to your fellow citizens, fear not. Plenty of people have lived long lives without doing anything of value, and perhaps you shall be one of them!