Is there such a thing as too much devotion to a cause? Or is Dr Amir's level of commitment necessary for success?

Although Dr. Amir is passionate about his work, it’s resulted in a divorce and leaves little time for anything else. Is there such a thing as too much devotion to a cause? Or is this level of commitment necessary for success?

Yes, I think there can be too much devotion to a cause, especially if that devotion causes problems and hurt for others. But, I don't think the Doctor would have succeeded in this case unless he had the extreme level of devotion that he did.

Yes, obviously--too much devotion to a cause is fanatical. Dr Amir risked his life, the life of his crew to save two animals--guess he had to do that. But, had they lost their lives I would not have felt sorry for them and would not have considered them martyrs. There are those in the world who relish the possibility of martyrdom and the life after death it provides.

This was commitment amazing to read about. Given the level of danger, and the small number left to save, I probably would have abandoned the effort early in the effort to save the animals. Dr. Amir was risking his own life, but also those of his workers. He could lose several human lives for two animals who were barely hanging on to life themselves. I would call that too much devotion, but that may just mean I would not be able to imagine myself able to do the same thing. I think I would have given those working with me protection before I asked them to risk it for the animals when the odds were against them.

Dr. Amir comes across in this book as almost God-like. It seemed that no matter what he did or where he did it, he was able to work around or go around any problem which appeared in his way. Many of them he seemed to simply ignore - clearly he was very dedicated to this cause and as the book claims, many others equally as difficult. If we can trust the facts provided about him and his effort in this book then his level of commitment was necessary to accomplish his goal. It amazed me that so many others went along with him - almost blindly. I recognize that there are people in this world like Dr. Amir, but I am not one of them. I believe there may be such a thing as too much devotion to a cause.

TerryPark, you bring up an important point about odds; I think it should depend a lot on what the odds are of success, and whether the risk you're taking has any realistic chance, and what you might lose while trying.

In this case, Dr. Amir risking the lives of his coworkers is too great a risk.

In my opinion, yes. Dr Amir put many other lives other than his own at risk with his devotion (bordering on obsession) to rescuing the animals. With that said, I can’t help but admire his fierce determination and selflessness!

While Dr. Amir put other lives at risk with his determination to rescue the animals in the zoo, with all his preparations and seeking permissions in advance of his trip, I suspect he did not expect to encounter as much opposition and difficulty as he did. As a veterinarian, the doctor took an oath to give the best care and provide the best treatment possible to animals in his care, and I believe he took this seriously and was trying to rescue the animals and get them out of harm's way. If he went over and above the requirements, it shows the degree of his commitment and responsibility.

Who can say what is "too much". What is ok for one person might be over the top for another. If the people you are putting in danger realize what they are getting into I think it is then their own choice. I also believe that if you are not totally committed to one's cause the chances of success diminish

I think my sentiments couldn't be better expressed than christineb.

This is is difficult to answer. In some situations I feel there can be too much devotion to a cause. I think of some of the religious fanatics such as faith healers that are so devoted to their cause and beliefs that their children end up dying because they didn't get proper medical care. There are also cult members who are too devoted to their cause and beliefs that they end up being alienated from their friends and family. Is that good? I don't think so, but who I am to tell someone what to believe? The definition of devotion is a loyalty or deep affection. What may be too much for one person may be just right for another. Our passions, interests are different for all of us. I think Four Paws and Dr. Amir has done some amazing work. Thank goodness for people like him and his staff! Their devotion has made a huge difference for so many animals living in deplorable conditions through no fault of their own. Dr. Amir and his team have improved the life of another living being. Along with the fear and risk involved in his work, there has to be a great sense of purpose in making a difference.

Yes there can be too much devotion to a cause such as when killing innocents is involved. I do not feel that Dr Amir has too much devotion. He has determination, patience and follow through to get the job done in very difficult and dangerous circumstances and I greatly respect the work that he and his staff do.

A difficult question to answer. I think it is different fo each of us although I hope I could curb my devotion if it were dangerous to others. But then again, people can get fanatical.