Since the thread isn't dead, I'll pile on more...
I wrote:
Other posters have already given examples of what ER has allowed them to do to help other family members, friends, neighbors, or volunteer organizations with their time and effort. Those aren't measured by economics.
I had to go back and read this whole thread again. In the pages of posts there are maybe 20 words on this. Also in the thread "what are we all retireing to" there is barely a mention of this sort of thing. I think the evidence is heavily against you here.
I didn't reread the whole thread and you are probably right that at the time of your reply above, not very many people mentioned what worthwhile ER contributions they made to society in this specific thread or in that other one, but I've read this forum for several years, and people have mentioned that they do these sorts of things--you know, just being a decent (if not even better than before) spouse, friend, sibling, grandparent, community member, volunteer, etc.--being there more, being more present, more energized, being able to care for sick parents or family members, etc. (After a while, people just get tired of posting the same things--at least I do--but older posts contained this sharing of what various posters are doing.)
I still maintain that there is value to one's being happy that positively affects others around them, even if that happiness is not measured in GDP, GNP, or productivity. So, happy ERs are contributing to society. It's easier to be helpful, polite, pleasant, patient, etc., all those good things, when one's happy.
On a less happy track, I am on the line for feeling guilty, though, when/if I achieve ER. I was raised in the Philippines where family expectations of financial support are high. At this point, I am nowhere near ER, so it's not a big worry but it will be when/if I get there.
My guilt will not arise from what I define as my obligation to society but my obligation to my family--mom, brother, nieces, and nephews. I will hopefully come to the point when I will think I have enough for myself but then I'll have to decide if I should work a little bit more to help out other family members. I could very well be perceived by my family there as selfish if I stopped working when I still could work.
It is always a struggle to define what one's obligation is, but along the lines of twaddle, we usually define it as what is least burdensome for us. As I define it, my obligation now to my family overseas is a monthly allowance for them. I'll be re-defining that obligation in the next few years...