Tell me why being selfish is wrong.
Exactly as the title says. Tell me why being selfish is wrong.
I'm not of the opinion that a rational, considered self-interest is wrong. I think it's usually the best way to go. In fact, I would say it's kind of like our default setting, but I've seen quite a few people post recently about how being selfless is good. I disagree.
Why do you think that selflessness is good? Why do you think that selfishness is bad? Do you think it's the other way around? Or maybe neither is good nor bad?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by SteveInCO on -
I think she's proceeding under the "inconsiderate asshole" definition of selfishness, which isn't the one you are putting forward.
-
Permalink Reply by SteveInCO on
-
It sounds here as if you want to fight all tendencies towards pursuing ones' self interest. Perhaps I misunderstood.
If you accept rational self interest as a good thing, the only thing you have to worry about is fighting whatever impulses you might have to go over the line into the various bad forms (brutishness, rude asshole, callousness, etc).
-
Permalink Reply by Michael Appleman on -
You should always look out for yourself. But as Forrest Gump's mother said, " A man only needs so much, the rest is just for showing off."
You can't be selfless for very long unless you are also a little selfish sometimes.
-
Permalink Reply by Eric Diaz on -
The question is to broad. Selfishness is not always, specially if you believe in an subjective morality.
BUT I would say Selflessness is better than selfishness more often, IF it is reciprocated.
Ex.
In a society were everyone is looking out for their own self interest, will eventually lead to people stepping on each other to get ahead.Our society is a great example, were some of those people reach high office and you get selfish leaders.
On the other hand, a society that is selfless would lead to a society were there is unity, and progress is accelerated. Since the ones that are behind are helped, and the favor being returned later on.
But I dont think selfishness is the worst thing, after all it is part of what helped us get this far.
-
Permalink Reply by Sagacious Hawk on -
If you think the question is too broad, then feel free to cut it down to size!
-
Permalink Reply by jared manley on -
Lets chop it. Can selfishness be synonymous with loving/respecting oneself?
Can selfishness also be synonymous with being disrespectful to oneself and others.? (Apparently so.)
So if it can be both then lets focus on the 2nd selfish. The answer is no. Not ok.
First one: Yes. But I don't call it selfish. I call it doing the next right thing.
-
Permalink Reply by Tiffany Willoughby on
-
everybody is selfish, its only wrong when others do it.
-
Permalink Reply by jared manley on
-
Curious... does this mean that it is ok to harm others through putting yourself first? Or is it just not ok when others do it to you?
-
Permalink Reply by Becca on -
It's ok to occasionally be selfish but if selfishness is the default setting it's definitely not a good thing. Being selfish is bad because it's anti-social. Anti social behavior does little good for a species that is highly social and dependent on others to survive and thrive.
-
Permalink Reply by Ed on -
It really seems to be a balancing act of sorts. As a predominantly lone wolf type of individual I have realized through the years that no one else is responsible for my happiness. It lies squarely on my shoulders to be content and at peace. Acts of kindness and giving are not something I premeditatively consider. It usually happens spontaneously and with no thought of reward. Admittedly I do feel good about myself afterwards but I am just as happy being alone and fending for myself without consideration of society in general. Selfishness is not a state of mind but more so a survival instinct. As Dale said "No harm, no foul."
What's new today
Forum
Why do atheists ask for so much proof to believe in God?
Started by Mercedes in Welcome to Think Atheist. Last reply by Kevin Napolillo 16 minutes ago. 582 Replies 0 Likes
Blog Posts
Consolations of Atheism
Posted by richard vitzthum on May 25, 2013 at 11:38am 15 Comments 3 Likes
Events
Services we love
Check out our new mobile/tablet version of Think Atheist! www.ThinkAtheist.com/m
© 2013 Created by Morgan Matthew.
