Final answer:
Shame is not mandatory for feeling that life is meaningless; moral reflection tends to be more important than material possessions. Morality, social responsibility, and virtues play key roles in assessing life's worth. Philosophical and ethical questions about free will, destiny, and individual responsibility remain relevant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Feeling shame for a meaningless life is not inherently necessary, especially if external factors beyond control or virtue guide that perception. When individuals face the end of their lives, possessions often become secondary to moral reflections and how they have treated others. Morality and virtue then emerge as pivotal elements in evaluating the worth of one's life.
Confucius underscored the distress of not realizing one's potential, hinting that a life without moral actions, despite recognizing what is right, may lead to a sense of shame. The feelings of shame, according to Confucius's teachings, could compel individuals towards better leadership and adherence to what is morally upright, a concept which holds a connection to the Zhou's Mandate of Heaven. The idea of living through social responsibility as Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests implies the ethical burden we have towards humankind and nature.
Yet, questions arise about free will, destiny, and the importance of personal responsibility in a world where actions can be anonymous. Environmental impacts and ethical dilemmas present in pursuit of unsustainable dreams highlight the complexity of living responsibly. Finally, considering Emerson's advocacy for a modest, moral life, one should examine the notion of moral relativism and the consequences it might hold if universally applied.