Pro/Cons of setting the self apart, and putting the wishes of others first?

Question

Pro/Cons of setting your self apart and making other peoples wish come true?

For example from this quote " When gifts of delicacies came from relatives in Germany, he would give them all away. When he got penicillin from an Occupation doctor, he gave it to the parishioners who were as sick as he. He gave lessons on the catechism when he had a high fever. After he came back from a long hike of pastoral calls, the Misasa housekeeper would see him collapse on the steps of his recotry, head down--a figure, it seemed, of utter defeat. The next day, he would be out in the streets again..."

Answer 1

The pro is that you can help many other people, the con is that might be hard, difficult work.

Answer 2

Probably this is a question which you could ask in the "psychology" or the "religion/spirituality" sections and get a bunch of different answers to. Is this a quote from a novel?
You could say that the pros of putting others ahead of yourself are great, but a lot depends on the motivation. Is it done out of compassion and caring, sympathy or empathy? Is it done to curry favor with God, ensuring salvation or to improve your karma? Is it done because of a feeling of guilt, for having a more fortunate life than others? Is it done because of deep personal faith and a belief that God will provide for you in the future, no matter what?
The downside risk of this behavior is that you'll not survive, because you gave everything to everyone else, unable to get your own needs met.
In this case, I think what is important to the person who is the "caregiver" is intention. You can try to help some people in life and you are just digging them a bigger hole. Some people just cannot handle it if you help them, and they sabotage themselves. Others benefit and thrive with a "little help from their friends". Hopefully the "caregiver" receives some psychological and spiritual uplifting from his good deeds, but it's not guaranteed, especially when things go wrong.

Answer 3

Your quote has little to do with putting the wishes of others ahead of oneself. It's about putting the WELFARE of others' ahead of one's own. That is a noble gesture, even altruistic - almost unheard of these days. This kind of person reaps great satisfaction from selflessness, but it's not for everyone.

Most people need a more substantial reward for the gifts they give. We are led to believe these days there is no such thing as unconditional love for strangers, but - unfortunately - that self-indulgent attitude is learned behaviour.

However - putting the WISHES of another ahead of oneself is another story. That would involve living your life for the pleasure of someone else, and that would only lead to bitterness and crushed self-esteem. Don't confuse the two.

Answer 4

I'm not sure how the quote relates to your question, or if the question itself has any logic to it, or simply wasn't expressed articulately. Do you mean (as in the quote) SACRIFICING your own needs for others? Perhaps a martyr? Martyrs are in truth, self serving. If you consider another's feelings, you ARE A PART of your actions & contrbutions. (Not "apart") I've known people who were so drained by others, they were no longer of use to anyone, let alone themselves; many fine lines & nuances here.

Answer 5

Actually you make a decision to put others wishes first; it is your wish to do this, and does not mean that you set apart the self. It is your decision and only your choice. One can always do different accordingly to the choice he makes.

Answer 6

Some people are meant for it, most are not. That's why the Catholic Church has saints and martyrs. And the secular world has humanitarian awards.