Consider the Following...Think

Selfishness...

If we were to hang a mirror eternally in front of ourselves, such a word would maintain an unaltered definition. In terms of the degree or level of presence, we're all born with an invariable level of selfishness in us - and the same applies for all "virtue" and "evil." But we each have our own customized gauge. And whereas he might seem the epitome of all that is unethical, she is perceived as the most righteous.

I find it amazing, the irony, in this "selfishness" and just as, if not more amazing, the cunning wit that nature has bestowed upon us. That we can neither see our own faces, nor control others' perception of us - the two most important images of ourselves (prioritized in whatever order). Yes, we are a selfish race through and through. There's no denying it. in fact, if we were to deny it, denial is selfish within itself is it not? To protect our own image, the way others perceive us.

We often give because we are selfish. Knowing that another might be distraught, we feel guilt. And this guilt tears at our conscience, an uneasiness that in turn can only be quelled by giving.


It might be a bit off topic, but one of my most recent essay question asked something along the lines of "Does being ethical hinder a person's chance of success?"

I immediately thought "yes." I like to think realistically, I'll start off with that one. I used both Martin Luther King Jr. and Adolf Hitler as support - two completely different leaders, I know.

But let's veer off from the explanation for now. Consider these questions first:
What is considered ethical?

What measures a person's success?

Ethics, as is common knowledge, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The basic premise of my response to this essay question was: is it right or wrong to put down/devalue a person or group in the pursuit of strenghthening yourself or your cause? Of course it is wrong.

Now, in order to persuade the white community to believe in his cause, Dr. King in some way needed to expose them to the err of their ways. In the same way, in order to show those blacks who sought out violence to earn an end to prejudice, Dr. King needed to expose them to the err of their ways. Although it is minutely unethical, it is unethical. And Dr. King was successful.

I need not explain Hitler's atrocities. But again, Hitler put down and vitiated entire races in order to pursue his cause. And Hitler was successful.

Of course, now we need to consider what exactly denotes a succession. A person's success is defined by his or her own measurement. A person's word might say he is satisfied by his success, but by mindset he covets the "richer" man. A man, whether or not he was born rich, is perceived by society as successful, yet he might yearn to live the life of a simpler man. And a simple man, might have all he needs to live and provide for his family, but wishes he could have had more.

We are an insatiable race. We are a selfish race.