Selfishness

[Gallstones]

Being concered for one's own best interests.

Is it a good or a bad thing?

Does the other guy's best interest always trump one's own, or is it the kind of thing where sacrificing ones own well being and best interests to the other guy's is morally superior, and justifibly expected for that reason alone?

Should such sacrifice be enforced if it isn't voluntary?

[Animavore]

Of course acting in your own self-interest is a good thing. The opposite can get you killed. Every survivalist I've come across from tells you to get away from the sinking ship or burning plane as fast as you can and not to try be a hero, and this includes guys from the SAS. If someone is in a panicked state you should leave them as they'll slow you down. You don't know how much time you have before the thing sinks or explodes and then where are you then? You're dead. What use is that to you?

That's not to say people will always listen to this advise, including myself. It would be too hard for me to just stand there waiting for a fire brigade while a building burns if, say, my nieces were inside. That's if I can even get into or near the building of course.

As for enforcing sacrifice? Hell no! How would you even do that?

[PsychoSerenity]

I wouldn't say being concerned for one's own best interests is selfish. I think it only becomes selfishness when it's put above the interests of others to their detriment.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Fine line time.

[Gallstones]

Fine line time.

Oh, poetry.

[hadespussercats]

Having children is often seen as this act of selflessness-- giving over your needs for your children.

But I think having children is probably one of the most selfish things anyone can do.
Not that that's a bad thing.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Fine line time.

Oh, poetry.

If you'd like I can come out to your place and you can shoot me and leave me to rot in your front yard, as a warning to others.

[Robert_S]

It's often shades of grey.

I don't think I'm a selfish bastard, but I ain't gonna martyr myself either.

Oddly, when I'm doing something to help someone else out, I sorta feel good doing it. So maybe I'm an enlightened selfish bastard.

[SteveB]

Having children is often seen as this act of selflessness-- giving over your needs for your children.

But I think having children is probably one of the most selfish things anyone can do.
Not that that's a bad thing.

Biologically speaking, it is the most selfish thing one can do.

[Trinity]

I've always given more than I've had to give and ended up pretty messed up whilst on the other hand, my ex was incredibly able to put himself first. I actually don't blame him for essentially being true to himself, I take responsibility for not fighting my corner when I thought things were unbalanced. Next time, if there is a next time, I hope to be able to say what doesn't work for me more.

[SteveB]

Hear hear for the givers and the people who exploit their giving nature. May they never damper your spirit.

[Audley Strange]

I don't think being concerned primarily for one's best interests excludes being concerned for others best interests. The problem lies in finding a consensus as to what those are.

[Trinity]

I don't think being concerned primarily for one's best interests excludes being concerned for others best interests. The problem lies in finding a consensus as to what those are.

[Svartalf]

I'm a lot less selfish since I started doing baby sitting for some friends... if I were selfish I'd tell them where they can stow their brats

[hadespussercats]

I don't think being concerned primarily for one's best interests excludes being concerned for others best interests. The problem lies in finding a consensus as to what those are.