selfishness or charitable which is best for a happy life?

Question

Do you dedicate your life to others for happyness or do what you want for a happy life

Answer 1

There has to be a balance. I can't be truely happy if I'm a miser. There is too much suffering in this world. However if I gave everthing I had to charity, I'd be living on the street, my kids wouldn't have shoes. You get the picture. They say you should save 10% of your paycheck, and then another 5% for charity and then living costs. If there is anything left, you can decide how to devide it between additional saving, charity or spending.

Answer 2

this sounds like the fairy tale dichotomy of good vs evil. It only exists in our minds. There is no such thing as being totally selfless and there is no such thing as being totally selfish. You cannot love others unless you love yourself and your potential to love others is in direct proportion to your potential to love yourself. I did not become charitable to others till i became charitable to myself. Have you heard the saying "charity begins at home"? So true.
So to answer your question, my first priority for happiness is to love myself. I cherish and feel for this human that is me and i extend that same empathy and love to others around me. But, i come first in my life. Always

Answer 3

I choose to be happy, because of that, I can be charitable or selfish. Neither choice precludes happiness.

Answer 4

If you get happiness from helping others, then you're doing both.

Answer 5

49% selfishness / 51% charitable.
Don't go overboard either way.