Welcome!

Welcome to all the people who live in my computer, and those I actually see in person!

I have often been told that I have a unique way of looking at the world. I assume that at least some of the time that was when folks disagreed with me, but were too kind or afraid to say so.

Having faced some recent health issues that have made me look at my mortality, I thought it was high time to write out some of my weird mind meanderings for the folks that matter in my life, and perhaps for some stranger passing through.

I make no claims of absolute truth or correctness in the writings contained here. Merely my observations, opinions, and feelings.

My hope is to leave a little food for thought for people to gnaw on even if only for a moment.

Happy Internetting,

CJ

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Altruism


This is my relaying of one of the rants my dad likes to go on, thought I would share it


al·tru·ism

–noun
1.
the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others.


Altruism does not truly exist in our world. People do kind acts for each other all of the time, but there is always some selfish motivation. There is nothing wrong with this because sometimes our motivations are good, and serve a higher purpose. But acknowledging that we get some reward from helping others gives us the pat on the back we need.

The good motivations:

The fuzzy feeling of helping others that helps us to feel like we've done something to help another. This helps to build our self esteem, and helps us to feel a part of our world.

The act of making the world a better place for this future generations.

Knowing that you took part in positive change in a person's life.

To pay a karmic, spiritual, or legal debt to our world.

The bad:

Buying your ticket to heaven, or good karma.

The feeling of power over someone weaker than you.

Unreasonable expectations from the people you help.

Does this mean we should stop doing kind things for people? No. It's just good to know that you do get something from it, and embrace that and own it. Reward yourself, revel in it, pat yourself on the back, feel the fuzzy, and give yourself credit for your good work!

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