Even slaves remain so in the interest of self-preservation.
The suicidal are interested in ending their lives.
The charitable get some personal reward for their giving, or they wouldn't give.
There is no such thing is "altruism" or "selflessness" as such.
Those that criticize Ayn Rand's take on these issues seldom seem to grasp what she was actually saying.
Regardless of Rand's stance, the reality remains, all human action, whether base and immoral, or refined and beautiful, is, at the end of the day,
SELF-CENTERED.
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)
I've often said this to people and find that a majority of them outright reject it. They can't look at themselves in that way, and find it repulsive that you do. It's unfortunate and makes you feel very misunderstood.
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It really does.
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I am selfish and I proudly proclaim that!
I loved Awareness too, awesome book, and I completely agree with every single word you said in this video!
I don't believe in utopia and I think that life is beautiful in all its diversity, but the closest thing to a "perfect society" I can imagine is one where people understand and accept their own selfishness, fully and without shame or guilt.
Resteemed!!!
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Wow! Another Awareness friend. Killer. Thanks for the excellent commentary and the Resteem!
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I am now following you because I am very happy and happy with your post I hope you are always successful in steemit, would you help me in steemit because I have been working on my own steem aims to help my parents by adding my income, If you are willing to help me of course I am very grateful to you, hopefully there is always a success in steemit and get the achievement as you want it, I really hope you can help me.
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Nice video and very true. I agree with you.
Hey I just sent you a pm on the official Steem chat, you should check it out if you have time.
Take care Kaf!
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Just got it ;)
Thanks man, and wishing you all the best!
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I agree. There is always some feeling, or value, or moral, or deep feeling driving our actions. If we're evolved, it'd be for the betterment of the world. to bring more love and compassion to others. Or it's to feel like we're living God's will through us. But no matter what, it's all "selfish". Maybe there are folks out there that literally are on a completely different level of awakening, and they operate in ways we can't understand. I'm completely open to that.
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Cant argue with you bro. Thats totally true.
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wow...I never seen things from that angle. Now after watching your explanation I realize how everyone is selfish. Altruism doesn't make sense. Upvoted and resteemed.
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Cheers, @practicaleric. I really appreciate that.
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You are right. I am a child of Christ, and I see it as my duty to be charitable. I sometimes hand out balanced meals to the homeless begging at our traffic lights. I love the reaction of these people. Even if it is only a tiny smile, it feels as if it is making MY day. Conclusion: I do it because I really want to help them, but I gain something: a reaction!
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Right. It's beautiful YOU WANT to help them! That is highly refined self-interest! You would not give if YOU didn't WANT to!
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Couldn't agree more. I've been thinking on this today and how much virtue signaling I see especially online. Everybody wants that good guy badge.
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Totally agree with you! Even humanitarian things we do are to feel good about ourselves. "Look how good and kind I am!" Nobody is saint.
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When you say all it means no exception at all, pls do you care to explain further?
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Sure, just try to think of one example of an action that isn't self-interested. There are none, by very nature of reality.
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Dont you think that there is but it will be very few. i heard of a friend that died for his friend, what can be self about that
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He wanted to die for his friend because he loved his friend, right?
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so you are saying that is self, if he is dead self does not apply any more does it
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hello, I live in Myanmar,I learning steemit.
Please,can you help me
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You should visit Steemit chat and ask there. Many would consider this post spam.
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I gotta say, I would qualify that pure altruism is possible with sufficient self-loathing. But Rand and evolutionary psychologists that back this sentiment up aren't necessarily looking at individuals, per se.
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Could you give me one example of a purely altruistic act done in a state of self-loathing?
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Let's see ... Maybe a suicidal person giving everything to charity? Or someone struggling with severe mental health issues who helps mentor others new to coping?
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Very nice images, i like
i love to join in steemit and to help earh other
#vote and follow you
Do not forget to folloe me
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nice post
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It is a sad story.
Every behavior of human is selfish
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Not sad at all! Beautiful!
There are different flavors of selfishness.
Self-interest is what drives all good and moral behavior.
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I do not fully agree on this. I do not think the human act of charity is self-centered. The act of giving is not self-centered if it is done without selfishness and by a kind hearted person. If someone doing charity and excepting something in return that act does not come under charity.
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Did you watch the video?
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Yes i have watched the video that's why i have just putted my view here.
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I explained how acts of charity are "self-centered" in the vid. The giver in the exchange always gets some reward, even if only psychological.
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I have seen that but how it can be self-centered? In self-centered acts everyone already knows what they want in return. But if charity done without any thought in mind of getting something back in return, i think it does not falls under self-centered category. I respect your thoughts but i am not fully agree with them.
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Why does someone give to charity?
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It can be given as an act of kindness where we do not want anything in return or it can be done for mental peace and getting some kind of rewards in return.
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Does not the giver want to give? ;)
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It worth working on! Mostly, all personal traits are natural endowments in each human being. We can only encourage those found with selfishness, greediness and other social vices but we can never change their attitudes.
Thanks for the info @kafkanarchy84
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I love self-interest.
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Rand's thoughts are very much valuable! I dont know of anyone who has beautifully put best human ideals into words! I attempted an article yesterday but with only 3 views and no upvotes in 2 hrs I removed the post because I didnt wanna waste it! But the one i put out a couple of days ago with not any response is still there https://steemit.com/life/@alexkoshy/times-ayn-rand-s-philosophy-was-criticized-recently-and-my-take-on-it-in-less-than-250-words
Do have a check !
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