What I do ain`t make-believe
People say I sit and try
But when it comes to being De La
It`s just me myself and I
~ De La Soul
Apparently De La Soul followed in the steps of Hobbes and Bentham and even managed to make it sound cool.
Today I had a brief discussion with two of my colleagues about the existence of altruism, or rather the view that all people primarily act on egotistical motives. When I first mentioned thinking this way, I wasn’t taken seriously. They just couldn’t fathom that I, a person passionate about her profession (education), would only do things that make me feel good or prevent me from feeling bad. However, as the discussion progressed I was almost magically ‘transformed’ into a sardonic monster only after fulfilling my own desires.
This can of worms should have been left unopened.
I should have never opened this can of worms, since the discussion is a difficult one where emotions flare high. Egoism is not cool. It is not considered proper to do things with an, in essence, egotistical motive. Now tell me, what is wrong with being egotistical if it translates itself into altruism? Are my actions and the results of those actions any different now I made it clear I do them solely for me?
So next time when I’m out for drinks, I will not mention my belief that there is merit to the philosophical theory of psychological egoism. I will refrain from it to avoid social punishment, which is more desirable to me than having the discussion in the first place.
It`s just me myself and I
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