selfishness
Why is selfishness designated as evil? Sure, I have some altruistic sentiments, but I need to make sure my own needs and even wants are filled before I can cater to the wants and needs of others. Why is it the social norm and aspiration to disregard your self and put others’ happiness before your own? I know I do this, often agreeing with what my friends want to do rather than asserting my own desires, or even doing things I don’t want to do at all if it is something that would make my friends happy. Why is the ultimate “good” defined as putting the needs of strangers, not merely friends and family, before your own needs? I suppose because friends and family are like an extension of yourself, so helping them is making you happy. But what personal satisfaction do people gain from helping complete strangers? I wish it were more socially acceptable to be selfish. I hate feeling bad about my self all the time for not really wanting to help others.
