Arrogance?

[InsertRealName]

We are the center, in each of our minds. Some may call it arrogance, or selfishness, but
we are the center. And all the world moves around us, for us and because of us.
This is the paradox of society and community, the one and the whole,
the desires of one often conflicting with the needs of the whole.
who has not wondered if all reality is no more than a personal dream?

i do not believe that such thoughts are arrogant or selfish, it is simply a matter of perception.
We can sympathize with someone else, but we cannot truly see the world as another person see's it.
Or judge other people's situations and their decisions, not even a friend.
But as a friend we must try.
This is the test of altruism, the most basic and undeniable ingredient for society,
(which ours is severely lacking)
and therin lies the paradox.

For ultimately, logically, we must each care more about ourselves than about others.
And yet, if as rational beings we follow that logical course,
and we place our own needs above those of the society, then there is no community.
When self indulgence rules, then all the community loses, and in the end
those striving for personal gains are left with nothing of any real value.

Everything of value that we will know in our lives comes from our relationships with
those around us.
Because there is nothing material that measures against the intangibles of love and friendship.


Just my two cents.

[DJ Ponz]

Originally Posted by InsertRealName

And yet, if as rational beings we follow that logical course,
and we place our own needs above those of the society, then there is no community.
When self indulgence rules, then all the community loses, and in the end
those striving for personal gains are left with nothing of any real value.

Hi Mr. Troll,

Obviously you've never heard of the prisoner's dilema and the lessons it can teach about self-organization in the face of self-interest. Then you can read "Governing the Commons" by Elinor Ostrom for instances of real-life applicability.

Such idealism will never happen - the best we can do is work within the bounds of reality.

Yours,
Capitalist Pig

[InsertRealName]

^^^^^:24k:

[wum]

i hope you're not a socialist