(July 1, 2015 at 12:08 pm)CapnAwesome Wrote:(July 1, 2015 at 11:53 am)KevinM1 Wrote: All this talk of selfishness makes me think of objectivism, which is pretty much bullshit across the board. I'm not sure if that's what the OP is driving at, but it's the first thing that springs to mind.
Oh yeah for sure, although the ironic thing for objectivists, if everything is rooted in selfishness their philosophy (that selfishness is good) becomes rather null and void, since everybody is being selfish all the time anyway. Although I hear this idea from lots of people of different political persuasions. It's funny that the OP claims it as 'his theory' as though he thought it up. It's always the case that the definition of selfishness is crafted to fit the situation though. Even the thread starter said that both eating dogs and not eating dogs are selfish activities. In that case the word is truly meaingless when made so broad.
I think self-interest may be a better term for what the OP describes, anyway. Selfishness implies individualistic greed. Self-interest is different. It is in my self-interest to live in a thriving community and to do my part to help make it that way. And that means doing my part to fit in, partake in and/or offer services, etc.
But, even then, self-interest doesn't drive every action. Empathy is a big player as well. It's what drives charity, and is a huge component in interpersonal relationships. Sure, there may be some long term benefit towards helping someone, but most people don't think like that. They simply see someone in need and work to help them, regardless if it's financial help, physical work, a shoulder to cry on, or simply being there to listen.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
