There seem to be few times that we pause to think of why we do what we do. Of course in the few moments of insight that we have every now and then, we seem to ponder on the purpose of it all (discussed in short in "Of Birth and Death and the Screw Up in Between"). But the moment passes and we go on about our mundane tasks. Living on the way we always have. Without any real concern as to where it might all lead us. But then is there a reason behind our actions?
If you think real hard, there is one basic principle driving each and every action that you take. A very simple reason too. The reason is the ever selfish nature of man. The few times that I have discussed the topic with a few friends of mine, I have received a very common reaction to he word 'selfish'. For the sake of completeness, let us define the word here although I am quite sure that all of us are well aware of the meaning. Looked up in http://dictionary.reference.com/ the word is defined as:
self·ish [sel-fish]
–adjective
Custom has made us associate the word with a negative aspect of character. I beg of you to shun the custom for a few minutes and look at the word objectively. All it says is that selfishness means putting one's interests first. I would like to restate the reason of action:
The reason that we do anything is because of our selfish nature to remain happy.
It would be terribly hard to nail the fact in a customary way. A better option would be to look at the possible counter arguments.
The very first of them would be that not all our deeds are selfish. All of us occasionally lend a kind helping hand to the needy. But then my friend, it is just because the kind deed that you do makes you happy. Gives you a sense of self satisfaction. I could go around ignoring all the needy in the world but then i would suffer from a nagging conscience. The reason I give money to charity, the reason I work in NGO's, the reason I support PeTA, the reason I advocate vegetarianism, the reason for all I do is because I want to be satisfied that I did something "good". The reason is my satisfaction. MY. Selfish.
Selfish reasons were why taggy commented that my blogs were pseudo intellectual crap. Selfish reasons are why I am replying [:)] asking what determines intellect anyway?
Another very common example that I have faced of un-selfish gestures is that of a mother giving birth to a child. Rubbish I say. The reason that the mother is bringing the child to life is because she wants to be a mother. Or because she wishes to oblige the person who wants to be a father, or a grand-mom, or a grand-dad. In any case, I doubt she is doing it just because a non-existent foetus with non-existent feelings and wants, wishes to be born. All is done for selfish reasons. Even if I jump in front of a bus to save someone, and possibly lose my life in the process, I would do so because just before I make the leap, my mind would bear the fact that this act would be something that would keep me satisfied, would keep me happy.
Its all me. Starts with me, ends at me. So? What is the point of realising that homo-sapien is a selfish species? Probably none. But you could shun the hypocrisy and and lead a straighter life. One where you do everything to please yourself, without setting the false pretense of doing it for the sake of others. Without inhibitions of the views of the society. But then again, maybe it is the hypocrisy that keeps you happy. After all is not selfish happiness all that we are aiming for?
I would welcome any instance that any of you can think of that is un-selfish in your views. But pray do think hard as to what it is being done for. You will find out yourself that it is your own happiness that makes you do it. Nothing else.
If you think real hard, there is one basic principle driving each and every action that you take. A very simple reason too. The reason is the ever selfish nature of man. The few times that I have discussed the topic with a few friends of mine, I have received a very common reaction to he word 'selfish'. For the sake of completeness, let us define the word here although I am quite sure that all of us are well aware of the meaning. Looked up in http://dictionary.reference.com/ the word is defined as:
self·ish [sel-fish]
fɪʃ–adjective
| 1. | devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others. |
| 2. | characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself: selfish motives. |
Custom has made us associate the word with a negative aspect of character. I beg of you to shun the custom for a few minutes and look at the word objectively. All it says is that selfishness means putting one's interests first. I would like to restate the reason of action:
The reason that we do anything is because of our selfish nature to remain happy.
It would be terribly hard to nail the fact in a customary way. A better option would be to look at the possible counter arguments.
The very first of them would be that not all our deeds are selfish. All of us occasionally lend a kind helping hand to the needy. But then my friend, it is just because the kind deed that you do makes you happy. Gives you a sense of self satisfaction. I could go around ignoring all the needy in the world but then i would suffer from a nagging conscience. The reason I give money to charity, the reason I work in NGO's, the reason I support PeTA, the reason I advocate vegetarianism, the reason for all I do is because I want to be satisfied that I did something "good". The reason is my satisfaction. MY. Selfish.
Selfish reasons were why taggy commented that my blogs were pseudo intellectual crap. Selfish reasons are why I am replying [:)] asking what determines intellect anyway?
Another very common example that I have faced of un-selfish gestures is that of a mother giving birth to a child. Rubbish I say. The reason that the mother is bringing the child to life is because she wants to be a mother. Or because she wishes to oblige the person who wants to be a father, or a grand-mom, or a grand-dad. In any case, I doubt she is doing it just because a non-existent foetus with non-existent feelings and wants, wishes to be born. All is done for selfish reasons. Even if I jump in front of a bus to save someone, and possibly lose my life in the process, I would do so because just before I make the leap, my mind would bear the fact that this act would be something that would keep me satisfied, would keep me happy.
Its all me. Starts with me, ends at me. So? What is the point of realising that homo-sapien is a selfish species? Probably none. But you could shun the hypocrisy and and lead a straighter life. One where you do everything to please yourself, without setting the false pretense of doing it for the sake of others. Without inhibitions of the views of the society. But then again, maybe it is the hypocrisy that keeps you happy. After all is not selfish happiness all that we are aiming for?
I would welcome any instance that any of you can think of that is un-selfish in your views. But pray do think hard as to what it is being done for. You will find out yourself that it is your own happiness that makes you do it. Nothing else.
