17/07: Doing right, because it's easiest
I have some strange ideas, some optimistic, some pragmatic, some utter melancholy. One of my less crowd pleasing hypothesises is, that at their core, no act is truly selfless, that every decision a human being makes is in truth, selfishly motivated.
We pursue a certain course of action because we want to, because we may gain something from it, and because we will feel guilty if we do not. As individuals we strive only for our own gratification and peace of mind. Acts of compassion and charity are simply a form of insurance against feeling bad if we were to forgo said acts.
While this may seem very bleak and pessimistic, there is a brighter side to this. While this world view seems to cast human beings are self absorbed, avarice driven wretches, ironically I believe it can lead to harmony. It is my firm belief that the best way to ensure you get to live your happy, serene, self absorbed life, is by begin kind to others. We are a social species, and unless you plan on walling yourself off in some hermitage, you have to accept this reality. Thus for you to be happy and remain so, everyone else, or at least those who you come into contact, need to be happy as well.
I suggest that, we should not pursue harmony with others and the world around us due to some belief in absolute truths or higher moral standard, but simply because it’s the best way to get along with everyone else.
You want people to be kind to you? Be kind to them. This is why, despite my gradual disassociation and growing contempt for organized religion, I still truly believe it can be a force for good.
“Do onto others, as you would have them do onto you”.
This phrase pretty much sums up the whole guiding principle I’m trying to convey here. It makes no mention of heavenly rewards, or that you should do it because it’s the “right thing” to do, just simple give and take. Acting as many would describe as moral, to me is just simple pragmatism.
All this being said, I am more than willing to admit that there may be something I am missing. I have had several experiences when others have offered to do me favours while refusing repayment, and I do feel a sense of unease when it happens. I could rationalize it that they just took pity on me and are trying to soothe their own sense of guilt they may have if they don’t help me, but then again…maybe not.
If any of this seems incoherent or repetitive, keep in mind, this is a rant, not a philosophical thesis. I’m writing this off to top of my head. If you wish to comment on this or discuss it with me, please use the contact page on the main site.
We pursue a certain course of action because we want to, because we may gain something from it, and because we will feel guilty if we do not. As individuals we strive only for our own gratification and peace of mind. Acts of compassion and charity are simply a form of insurance against feeling bad if we were to forgo said acts.
While this may seem very bleak and pessimistic, there is a brighter side to this. While this world view seems to cast human beings are self absorbed, avarice driven wretches, ironically I believe it can lead to harmony. It is my firm belief that the best way to ensure you get to live your happy, serene, self absorbed life, is by begin kind to others. We are a social species, and unless you plan on walling yourself off in some hermitage, you have to accept this reality. Thus for you to be happy and remain so, everyone else, or at least those who you come into contact, need to be happy as well.
I suggest that, we should not pursue harmony with others and the world around us due to some belief in absolute truths or higher moral standard, but simply because it’s the best way to get along with everyone else.
You want people to be kind to you? Be kind to them. This is why, despite my gradual disassociation and growing contempt for organized religion, I still truly believe it can be a force for good.
“Do onto others, as you would have them do onto you”.
This phrase pretty much sums up the whole guiding principle I’m trying to convey here. It makes no mention of heavenly rewards, or that you should do it because it’s the “right thing” to do, just simple give and take. Acting as many would describe as moral, to me is just simple pragmatism.
All this being said, I am more than willing to admit that there may be something I am missing. I have had several experiences when others have offered to do me favours while refusing repayment, and I do feel a sense of unease when it happens. I could rationalize it that they just took pity on me and are trying to soothe their own sense of guilt they may have if they don’t help me, but then again…maybe not.
If any of this seems incoherent or repetitive, keep in mind, this is a rant, not a philosophical thesis. I’m writing this off to top of my head. If you wish to comment on this or discuss it with me, please use the contact page on the main site.
