Josh Fenelone G.

Ong

11-St. Teresa of Calcutta

A Reflection Paper on “Madaling maging tao, Mahirap magpakatao”

The statement "madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao" is a Filipino proverb

that means it is easy to be born as a human being, but it is difficult to live a life of dignity
and honor.

To me, this saying highlights the importance of character development and ethical
behavior. It implies that merely existing as human beings is not enough; we must also strive
to be good people who contribute positively to society.

Following social conventions, taking care of one's basic needs, and doing daily
activities are all part of being a person. On the other hand, living with integrity and values
requires conscious effort if you want to become a person of dignity.

The statement also suggests that being humane is an ethical responsibility we have
towards each other. It is not enough to simply exist as human beings; we must also strive
to treat each other with dignity, respect, and compassion. In doing so, we contribute to the
flourishing of ourselves and others and create a more just and compassionate society.

As I relate it to myself, it is also hard for me to sometimes do the things that are
right. It is hard in the sense that we are tempted or should I say, we know the things or
doings that are bad but still, we do it for the sake of adapting to the environment. Although I
do it sometimes, I won’t let that affect my good values in the way that it might overrule or
overpower me.

One philosopher who I can relates to the statement "madaling maging tao, mahirap
magpakatao" is Immanuel Kant. To be truly human, as opposed to simply being a person
with reason and free will, Kant emphasized the importance of morality and ethics.
According to Kant's moral philosophy, people have a responsibility to act in accordance
with universal moral laws, such as the Categorical Imperative, which states that we should
always treat others as ends in themselves rather than as means to further our own goals.
 Kant believed that in order to be truly moral and ethical, we must rise above our
basic desires and inclinations, which frequently cause us to make mistakes. He held that
moral behavior should be guided by reason and the understanding of the inherent value
and dignity of every human being. In this regard, Kant's philosophy is consistent with the
notion that it is simple to be a human being, but much more difficult to cultivate the virtues
and standards that enable us to act in a truly humane and ethical manner in our dealings
with others.

Another philosopher to whom I can relate to this quote is Aristotle, who argued that
the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia or "human flourishing," which
involves developing one's character and virtues through consistent practice and
habituation. According to Aristotle, being humane involves cultivating virtues such as
kindness, generosity, and honesty, which contribute to the flourishing of both the individual
and society as a whole. Eudaimonia is not simply a matter of experiencing pleasure or
avoiding pain, but rather it is a holistic state of well-being that includes mental, physical,
and social dimensions.

Aristotle, also said that virtue, what he called moral excellence, is something we
learn through repetition and habit rather than something we are born with. He thought that
we acquire virtue by repeatedly practicing virtues until they become habits. In other words,
becoming a good person involves acting in accordance with your intentions until they
become second nature as well as having good intentions.

The importance of forming moral character through consistent practice of virtuous

deeds is emphasized by Aristotle's concept of virtue ethics. He held that the development
of a person's moral character, which turns them into a good and virtuous human being,
results from this process of habituation.

Also, from what I understand in the line “mahirap magpakatao”, I've come to realize
how important it is to acknowledge the difficulties that come with being a human. We can
build a more understanding and compassionate society by acknowledging and validating
these struggles.

Understanding the complexities and difficulties of ethical decision-making requires

acknowledging the struggles of human morality. It can increase empathy and
understanding, help us appreciate various points of view, and help create a more moral and
just society.

In the face of temptations and difficulties, it is simple to give in to selfishness, greed,

and dishonesty. However, choosing to live with integrity requires a greater degree of
dedication and self-control.

In conclusion, this proverb or saying reminds us that true humanity is not just about
existing but also about being a person of dignity, ethics, and character. It also reminds us
that although it is sometimes hard, we can always try to do the right things for the sake of
all.