I think that we could have the power to make this world a better place. How could we do that? If we were to act selflessly at all times, we would change the world. Do you think that people can love others more that they love themselves? How about treating everyone with love, even people who hurt you? We are so self-centered most of the time that we only concern ourselves with entertainment and comfort, when we should be making sure everyone has food and life's basic necessities. Have you ever heard the saying "a house divided against itself will fall"? If you think of all of humanity as one "house" you can see how we are divided against ourselves, right? How stupid are we to keep seeking only what we want for ourselves, when it is so obvious that we are really just hurting ourselves. We deny ourselves our greatest achievements by ignoring the needs of others and getting "more" for us. What do you think?
2007-06-27 10:36:22 · 11 answers · asked by Axiom 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Awesome thoughts!!!!
Now what are you going to do about it?
2007-06-27 10:42:33 · answer #1 · answered by lifeiscake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's the point in bending over backwards if no one does if for you? People have to WANT to do good deeds for others. We are born selfish, that's why babies cry in the middle of the night, because they don't care about anyone sleeping, they care about being fed. This is not to say that we shouldn't help people that are in need. It is utterly stupid to say that people are where they are because of their own fault. You need to look BEYOND this country because there are plenty of sick and starving babies in the world, let alone the United States. Is it their fault they are sick? Yea, they probably chose to be like that.. but back to the point. Why can't we be completely selfless? Because it's not possible. It is literally impossible. It is instinctual nature to look out for yourself, no matter how that may be. You have to love yourself in order to love others, and there is no problem loving yourself. There is also no problem with wanting a nice life and nice things for yourself. But don't be selfish about it. If the bum asks you for a dollar, and you actually have one to spare, don't lie to him, just buy him a burger instead. I'm assuming none of us have been homeless, but don't you think if it was up to them, they would choose not to be?
2007-06-27 11:11:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know plenty of selfish people who will be happy to take everything you have and then eat your body when you have completely used it up serving them. And then you will be dead and they will be fat and comfortable.
The moral of the story is that people are self-centered because IT WORKS.
I know, I know... I think it's rather horrible too. But you will not succeed in being selfless and altruistic until you can be just as cruel and heartless to parasites as they are willing to be to you. Every other attempt that has been made up to this point has been sucked dry and taken over. Until you build in some safeguards, you are doomed to fail.
I'm sorry to have to tell you this. But it's just so.
2007-06-27 10:57:14 · answer #3 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree. Recently, I attended a seminar for leaders throughout the country that discussed this very philosophy.
By decreasing our desire for material things and helping others in our spare time, the world would be drastically better almost instantaneously.
2007-06-27 10:48:01 · answer #4 · answered by Hello there 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your personal philosophy is excellent and the societies of the world have known of it for millennia...the problem has always been for everyone to think and act according to the "Good Truths"......won't ever happen.... because not every one will chose to lead the noble life in thought and deed.....Sorry...we all make do the best we can. Keep your candle lit....I won't blow it out
2007-06-27 10:55:29 · answer #5 · answered by Joline 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spare me the $.02 church bull crap. I don't consider myself a selfish person but a lot of the people that don't have anything are in the place they are for a reason. I don't think I should help some people when they can't even help themselves. I have no problem donating money and help to hard working people that don't have anything. But people sitting back jobless living off welfare and the drug money are pathetic.
2007-06-27 10:53:18 · answer #6 · answered by Metal Up Your A** 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Less thought more action. Your idea you lead. If you make it we'll think more about it.
2007-06-27 10:41:16 · answer #7 · answered by grey_worms 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a good philosophy, but it is not original.
2007-06-27 11:14:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're absolutely correct, but the trick is to get people to stop being selfish, and still be free to do as we please?!?
2007-06-27 10:41:07 · answer #9 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
doable in utopia
2007-06-27 11:08:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋