Superpowers and Morality: Choices I Wouldn’t Make

What would you do if you had superpowers? Many people would immediately think of heroic deeds or saving the world. However, for someone with a different perspective, the choices can be quite different. In this article, we explore the ethical choices and moral dilemmas presented by superpowers. If you have any superpowers, what would you choose to do or not do?

Choices I Refuse to Make

When I imagine having superpowers, I wouldn't rush to use them for heroic deeds. Often, people with superpowers feel a duty to save lives or enforce laws. However, these tasks can come with high risks and moral complexities. Here are some specific dilemmas I would refuse to face:

Law Enforcement and Moral Pragmatism

I would never use my powers to kill in the name of enforcing a law. Even if the intent is to protect the greater good, taking a life can have severe and irreparable consequences. The military experience can make one deeply aware of the complex relationships between loyalty and duty. Prisoners of war make one consider the variations in human loyalty and the gravity of those choices.

Leisure Over Heroism

I wouldn’t save people, either. The idea of being a superhero is tempting, but if I had superpowers, I wouldn’t choose that path. Instead, I would live a more relaxed and leisurely life. I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy the fruits of my abilities, nor would I feel morally bound to help everyone. If people got annoyed because I didn’t act like a hero, that’s just part of the deal.

The Slow Line Superpower

Speaking of superpowers, I would much prefer to have the uncanny ability to choose the slowest line in any situation. From supermarket checkouts to concert venues, even to freeway lanes, this power is a godsend. Unlike some superpowers, this one doesn't have much ethical weight. It’s just a matter of convenience and patience. The ability to fly, however, would be a game-changer. Imagine skimming above traffic and easily navigating through crowds!

Other Immoral Choices I Wouldn’t Make

Here are a few other immoral choices I would refuse to make, both with and without superpowers:

Eat persimmons Listen to Justin Bieber Drink Starbucks sugar concoctions Put ketchup on steak Park so sloppily that it overlaps into another space Agree with the IRS’s overbroad reporting requirements in Notice 2016-66 Vote for Donald Trump

These choices are generally outside my moral compass, but they are less significant than some of the ethical dilemmas presented by actual superpowers. For example, the moral quandary of choosing the slowest line is trivial compared to the weight of life or death decisions.

Staying True to Morality and Ethics

My moral framework suggests that I wouldn’t commit crimes, even those perceived as small offenses like robbing banks. Similarly, I wouldn’t hurt innocents or engage in any form of evil. This stance aligns with my ethical beliefs, but it also suggests a practical approach to using or not using my superpowers. I would use my powers to solve specific problems if it aligns with my values, but I wouldn’t burden myself with the overwhelming responsibility of fixing every issue in the world.

Care About My Country, Not Obligation

While I wouldn’t sell myself out to any particular country, I would be willing to defend my own. If defending my country means giving up my superpowers, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. Similarly, I would help others if they have specific issues, but not at the expense of taking on more than I could handle.

Ultimately, the choice to use or not use superpowers comes down to personal values and responsibilities. I would much prefer to live a simple, yet fulfilling life rather than become a superhero. The decision to do or not do certain things, especially those with significant moral implications, would guide my actions regardless of whether I possess superpowers.