People need acceptance and belonging.
Because the culture is fueled with the meme of self-sacrifice (think of others first), few want to admit its contradiction.
Because to assert that could mean ostracizing from the tribe. That’s understandably terrifying.
If we overcome this assumption to engage our volition, focus, and pre-frontal cortex, we employ logic.
Unselfishness doesn’t work – because if we are always tossing around the ball of happiness in order to serve the next person, NOBODY gets their needs met.
That’s the tragedy of collectivistic culture.
The enlightened path is to empower oneself to get needs met. And (what few mention), those “selfish” needs INCLUDE:
- Compassion for others
- Consideration of others
- Acknowledgment of others
- Appreciation for others
- Support of others
This is win-win, folks.
So long as we are not giving from self-sacrifice (only each person can know if s/he is), then we have achieved healthy, enriching human interaction.
Take charge of your own happiness.
Assert your needs.
No one else can.
