Is enlightened self-interest really that enlightened?

Question

Thanks for the inspiration guru.

Peter, I don't understand you, this is a related question, not the same question.

Perhaps you care to elaborate...

...perhaps not

Answer 1

Enlightened self interest is the difference between the person who puts their own face mask on first, and the person who dies while trying to help others while the cabin loses pressure and the plane crashes. The person who can breath proceeds to help those around them, especially the children and more lives are ultimately saved. Our first instinct is to save those around us, but if we do not do the bare minimum for ourselves, we cease to function and are of no use to anyone, even ourselves.

To achieve enlightened self interest, you must truly know yourself and your minimum needs so you can make the most of any opportunity to be of use to others. A leader is after all, merely a better servant; able to serve many more, much more effectively than a follower. This is why the leader must run three miles to the follower's two. This is why the leader gets up half an hour before the servant. This is why the leader leaves the work an hour after the follower goes home. We must take care of our own needs in such a way that we are ready for the moment when we are most needed, and cognizant of the role we must play to do the most good.

Answer 2

I am interpreting your question to be in the context of
knowing self.
In that context, knowing self is enlightening because
knowing others is speculative by the very nature of
others not being self. Therefore, always attempt to
act in accordance with self, and ideally act in accordance
with self in such a way that is convenient for others as
well as self. The self is created only with having the self
for its own accord, and the self is the only tool that the
self has that will always be available for its application.
Therefore, knowing self is perhaps the best way to
establish a balance with the environment that the
self is constantly residing in and as a part of.

Answer 3

I have found that the more"enlightened" I have become the more aware that I know so very little. Part of enlightenment is the process of changing your perspective from a narrow focus to a broader world view. At the same time I have learned to respect myself more and nurture myself more effectively. So I guess I would say yes, but I don't know as much as I used to, so take that into account.

Good Luck

ZebraFoxFire

Answer 4

Enlightened-- now there is a word that's just pregnant with interpretations. I thought the question might be making a reference with the objectivists, and if so, the answer "enlightened for others" would fall into heavy criticism.

But in my opinion, people will always be self-interested. Even Mother Theresa helps the poor not primarily because she cares about other people more than herself. It is because she herself has an ideal that she wants to strive for and defend.

In my opinion, self-interest is enlightened simply because it does not ignore the fact that by helping other people, you help yourself as well. That by not stealing, you protect yourself from being robbed by others. That by giving to the poor, you expect to be given kindness in return. (I pity the guy who gives to the poor because he is taught that he must.)

For every value given, value is expected in return. This doesn't only protect the community, but more importantly, it protects the individuals.

Answer 5

Enlightened with which beliefs.

"Integrity has no need of rules." - Albert Camus (1913-1960) -

I take its meaning as 'one needs rules only in the presence of an enemy because one knows one has done wrong in their own normal conscience. Watch out for the psycho.


=
"From none but self expect applause:
He noblest lives and noblest dies
Who makes and keeps his self-made laws."
-- Sir Richard Francis Burton - (1821-1890) English explorer, linguist, author, and soldier


Both quotes are about independent thought.

The Will is positive, the Judgment is negative. To judge and to be judgmental is not the same thing. Nobody's perfect.

Answer 6

Of course it depends on the CONTEXT.
I contend enlightenment is to be had by ONE coming to understand that which is in the objective realm of reality. Objective facts are as is regardless of what anybody thinks or feels about them.
I.e. Birth of the universe, energy transformations, what happens after we die, etc...etc..
Contrarily Subjective facts are subjected to a persons desires and feelings,
I.E. Seeking enlightenment by coming to peace with life. Seeking enlightenment through better understanding of self.
It depends as do most things, that is of course if it is an Objective Fact (hint,hint) which is way I think it is the way towards enlightenment.

Answer 7

it's another case of adjective misuse
enlightened meant resolved for the greatest puspose...
:-)
self interest is hazy & egomaniacal
the light you used might be artificial or what fogs your reason could be more overwhelming than the light itself..
you can never achieve satisfaction or at least genune happiness
if your means & ways of getting it is by making others less happy.
true enlightenment shines not for a single person..
but for everyone who embraces humanity with selfless acts
& it's more reflected brightly with a clear pure intention.
:-)

Answer 8

If my self interests are to better my self, through my spirituality, there is nothing wrong with that. My interest are of purity and not profit. My self is very interested in really attaining enlightenment.That motivation will keep me moving forward.

Answer 9

one is not enlighten for self but as a mean to help other

Answer 10

Dont underestimate someone who overestimates himself.
The Inspiration-guru!