secret of selfishness??

[Listener]

**********************

[JJH]

So, am I to understand that you haven't seen it yet?

I highly recommend seeing this movie. Then come back and discuss it with us. Your opinions will always be respected here.

To put your mind at ease a bit here, I've found in pursuing the ideas presented in "The Secret," has opened me up to have _more_ compassion for the world, and for those around me.

Happy viewing!

[smallstar]

Selfishness is not a negative trait (but I'll restrain myself from hijacking this thread and instead start another one. )

I suggest you listen to Steve's podcasts on 'Subjective reality' and 'New views on religion'. All your philosophical views are merely theories about reality - all have their distinct strengths and weaknesses. 'Objective reality' might give you a sense of purpose, where 'subjective reality' gives you the things you want. The point is not to having to make a choice, but instead honor both views equally and apply each one where they are the strongest.

[smallstar]

Originally Posted by Listener

Why this need to claim the objective world, in the ordinary sense, is unreal, as if this is some great wisdom? The ordinary world bites us in the butt every day, or showers us with pearls. Or both. It's not all perception.

Why? Because it works!

When you desire a higher purpose, use the objective reality model - when you desire change in your life, use the subjective reality model. (Sorry about repeating myself.)

Even practical people have a 'philosophy' - replace it with a 'model' or a 'world view' if those words suit you better.

[Causalien]

I've been pondering about the matter of selfishness for a while. Do you know where I can find this movie? Is it on this site? I am new here so I am not sure of my way around yet.

Basically, I am stuck with feeling selfish whenever I give, because deep down somewhere, there's a selfish reason for the need to feel good. A friend retorted with the fact that there's nothing wrong with being selfish, it is a conditioned response programmed into us by the society. What are your thoughts on it?

[The Probabilist]

Originally Posted by Causalien

I've been pondering about the matter of selfishness for a while. Do you know where I can find this movie? Is it on this site? I am new here so I am not sure of my way around yet.

Basically, I am stuck with feeling selfish whenever I give, because deep down somewhere, there's a selfish reason for the need to feel good. A friend retorted with the fact that there's nothing wrong with being selfish, it is a conditioned response programmed into us by the society. What are your thoughts on it?

A few pointers:

1) The programming of society is geared towards guilt for being abundant. You may find yourself apologetic for being more succesful than those you spend time with. E.g. you degrade or refrain yourself from becoming selfishly wealthy because there are poor people obsessing that they are more worthy of getting what you could/are consciously attracting to youself.

2) Who do you give to and what? If you're giving money to men in poverty you are only making things worse for both them and yourself. Poverty is a mind-set capable/designed to disintegrate value and perpetuate despondency. Money is not the answer, wisdom and understanding have the power to eradicate poverty and its negative symptoms.

3) Resources are infinite. More to you is not less to others if and only if you are a man of creating more wealth and value, not if you are a man of wicked thoughts and abilities used to mooch off others.

4) Selfishness is described as concern with one's own interests, without reagard for others. A quick read may give the sentence a bad stigma, but without regard for others is not equal to doing harm unto others.

5) Self-sacrifice is a cause of low self-esteem. Imagine wives living in destructive relationships because they are programmed to adapt, cover for the abuses and roll with the punches. Or how about religions that tout that poverty and suffering is spiritual and we are helpless sinners to our very core. Poverty is a sin because it causes people to lie, cheat, steal and kill. The best you can do for society is to not be a poor person.

You may want to read something by Ayn Rand or Randy Gage to truly embrace how and why selfishness is a driving force for 'the common good'.

[Michael Chui]

Originally Posted by smallstar

Selfishness is not a negative trait

Only want to say I agree with that statement.

[Causalien]

Originally Posted by The Probabilist

A few pointers:

1) The programming of society is geared towards guilt for being abundant. You may find yourself apologetic for being more succesful than those you spend time with. E.g. you degrade or refrain yourself from becoming selfishly wealthy because there are poor people obsessing that they are more worthy of getting what you could/are consciously attracting to youself.

2) Who do you give to and what? If you're giving money to men in poverty you are only making things worse for both them and yourself. Poverty is a mind-set capable/designed to disintegrate value and perpetuate despondency. Money is not the answer, wisdom and understanding have the power to eradicate poverty and its negative symptoms.

3) Resources are infinite. More to you is not less to others if and only if you are a man of creating more wealth and value, not if you are a man of wicked thoughts and abilities used to mooch off others.

4) Selfishness is described as concern with one's own interests, without reagard for others. A quick read may give the sentence a bad stigma, but without regard for others is not equal to doing harm unto others.

5) Self-sacrifice is a cause of low self-esteem. Imagine wives living in destructive relationships because they are programmed to adapt, cover for the abuses and roll with the punches. Or how about religions that tout that poverty and suffering is spiritual and we are helpless sinners to our very core. Poverty is a sin because it causes people to lie, cheat, steal and kill. The best you can do for society is to not be a poor person.

You may want to read something by Ayn Rand or Randy Gage to truly embrace how and why selfishness is a driving force for 'the common good'.

You raises a few good points here that can get me started on a way out. The most significant point that changed my view point is tackling the exact opposite of the problem. Self sacrifice caused by low self esteem. It's like understanding what you are, by listing the things that you are not. Great davices.