Enlightened Egoism?

Question

I am writing an analytical paper for my philosophy class. My brain is short-circuiting. Can anyone give me a good example of enlightened egoism? I well know what it is, but can't seem to think of a good example. Thanks in advance, people!

Answer 1

As you know, egoism in philosophy is all about helping yourself. In some senses to the exclusion of others. Enlightened egoism turns the whole thing on its ear a bit by suggesting that helping others IS in your interest.

So an example might be if your friend is having a bad day. A strict egoist might say, "forget that loser... everybody has to take care of themselves". An elightened egoist, on the other hand, would probably say, "when that person is happy, it makes me happy... so I should help my friend out".

Some enlightened egoists even take it to the nth degree. They would argue that even by helping total strangers you are making strangers more inclined to help you out when you need it, and making a more friendly world for yourself to live in. And basically they might be able to justify just about anything, as long as you can somehow draw a line back and say, "doing this helps ME out for this reason...".

Answer 2

Enlightened Egoism

Answer 3

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RE:
Enlightened Egoism?
I am writing an analytical paper for my philosophy class. My brain is short-circuiting. Can anyone give me a good example of enlightened egoism? I well know what it is, but can't seem to think of a good example. Thanks in advance, people!

Answer 4

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The word "enlightened" seems to be taken differently nowadays. If you were Enlightened you would not have hypocrisy. I suggest reading the passage in the Bhagavad Gita XII 13-0, the description of who is God's beloved, which starts out, "He who hates none, who is the friend to all, who is merciful to all, who has nothing of his own, who is free from egotism, who is even-minded in pain and pleasure, who is forbearing, who is always satisfied. . . ." And this passage just describes what you have to be to approach the Divine, let alone actually achieve Enlightenment. Enlightenment is transcendental, life-changing. Vivekananda once said, "While there is a body and we see it, we have not realized God."

Answer 5

But of course you can't...lol

Well, the first thing you must know is that Enl. Ego has nothing to do with ego, and that it is highly idealistic and irrational. So, I don't think anyone is able to think of a 'good example' for this.

Good luck!

Answer 6

The root cause varies from enlightened person to enlightened person, but I think it all ties into a misunderstanding of enlightenment, even amongst those who think they are enlightened. Enlightenment doesn't mean you know everything, are perfect, or have any special attributes. It simply means that you perceive your own true nature and accept yourself as you are. It is awareness of our dualistic mind and a freedom from dependence upon that dualism. They are just as emotional and irrational as everyone else, they just don't have the unhealthy attachment to the impermanent that most people have. What you are noticing is what I like to call "teacher complex." This is where the person feels they need to present themselves as somehow better, wiser, or more perfected than others. In life no view is always correct, yet they are expected to be carriers of perfect wisdom! Hypocrisy is the way this stress manifests, as their perfect truth is bent by reality. Pointing out flaws in other is not related. Anyone can do that easily. A point to keep in mind is that the flaws which are the easiest to see in others (and often the ones that bother you the most) are usually the ones you dislike about yourself. So when you hear an enlightened master point out a flaw in another person, stop for a moment and reflect on the fact that the enlightened master most likely possesses (or is possessed by) that same flaw.

Answer 7

A prime example: me. I don't think I've met a wiser person than me - that can out-debate me in any of the essential matters of reality. Yet anyway. I believe in hope..

Answer 8

My first thought was Napoleon. Brilliant man, damn right narcissistic, and his impact on history ushered it a new area of arts, political philosophy and nationalism.

Answer 9

You are better than everyone else because yuo are so humbel.