Selfishness and Human Nature

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by mredskins

The point was you should not expect any thank you at all. Just know today in this thread you were owned.

Your the one who cannot read and keeps changing what I said then when its pointed out you say I got owned.

[CRedskinsRule]

so here it is again:

There is a blood drive on Aug 1st at the TC, I posted a link in the Meetup forum. I think this is a thing most everyone can do, and truly provides an immense service. I hope others will do it as well.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

so here it is again:

There is a blood drive on Aug 1st at the TC, I posted a link in the Meetup forum. I think this is a thing most everyone can do, and truly provides an immense service. I hope others will do it as well.

I'm selfish and I sell my blood.JK The church across the street has a blood drive ever so often and I try to get my entire office to give. Last time I think I got a new nurse and it took her like 4 or 5 tries to stick me.

[CRedskinsRule]

I've only had one bad nurse and she must have been evil, cause my veins are very good for giving blood, and she consistently missed and poked and prodded. other than her, everyone I have ever had has been outstanding.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Your the one who cannot read and keeps changing what I said then when its pointed out you say I got owned.

Thank you for adimiting you got owned, though I didn't need the thanks. =)

[firstdown]

Have you ever drank a few beers after giving blood? Goes straight to your head.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

A bigger person can look past someone's perceived lack of gratitude and say you know what, that person is better off for having crossed paths with me, and that's enough for me. Sure a thank you is nice, but it's not required. Good deeds should not have strings attached.

That is the true indicator of a selfless act/person, IMO.

A person who can do something for others, and not get angry when they don't appreciate it or are mean/selfish in return -- and continue doing for others, even in the face of continual ingratitude. They can look through that person's ego and see the true being. They can see that their actions were not provoked by *them*, but instead by their ego -- the thing inside us that needs to identify with forms, have more than others, and generally feel superior.

But, you all know my position on this matter. No need to rehash it. Just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head Matty.

Joe, if you really want to explore the "non-selfish" side of this argument, I would urge you to read "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. I think it is a book that can be enjoyed even if you don't agree with it.

[over the mountain]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

No. You're selfish. Just like everyone else. Some of the value you get out of helping people is derived from their gratitude. You acquire a sense of importance to them from that. It makes you feel good. When they're not grateful, or just don't show it, then you are deprived that emotion and it becomes not worth it to you.

atleast the man is cognizant of the people and struggles around him and if being selfish motivates FD to try and help others than more power to him. id rather have 1 guy doing the right thing for the "wrong" reasons than a bunch of "unselfish" people talking about doing the right thing every sunday . . .

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

That is the true indicator of a selfless act/person, IMO.

A person who can do something for others, and not get angry when they don't appreciate it or are mean/selfish in return -- and continue doing for others, even in the face of continual ingratitude. They can look through that person's ego and see the true being. They can see that their actions were not provoked by *them*, but instead by their ego -- the thing inside us that needs to identify with forms, have more than others, and generally feel superior.

But, you all know my position on this matter. No need to rehash it. Just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head Matty.

Joe, if you really want to explore the "non-selfish" side of this argument, I would urge you to read "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. I think it is a book that can be enjoyed even if you don't agree with it.

Joe and while your buying the book for $19.99 on how to be non-selfish you can also buy a ticket to see him speak for another $399.00 or maybe one of his Enjoy Space thing $49.99. Now don't be selfish and rember to vist with your credit card in hand.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

atleast the man is cognizant of the people and struggles around him and if being selfish motivates FD to try and help others than more power to him. id rather have 1 guy doing the right thing for the "wrong" reasons than a bunch of "unselfish" people talking about doing the right thing every sunday . . .

Surely you're not saying the "devout" can be hypocritical?

[Zerohero]

Originally Posted by firstdown

How was I owned as I agree with what he said 100%. I don't expect a thank you for everthing I do but when you gather 25 people together and spend a day helping someone a little thnak you is what someone who appreciates what you did for them says. When you knock on their door to say we are done and its like you are bothering them then yes it ticks me off.

I can't even fathom the type of person who would act like this after a group a people painted their house for free. I mean WoW.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by over the mountain

atleast the man is cognizant of the people and struggles around him and if being selfish motivates FD to try and help others than more power to him. id rather have 1 guy doing the right thing for the "wrong" reasons than a bunch of "unselfish" people talking about doing the right thing every sunday . . .

I dont disagree. I think the term selfish isn't correct as Joe has pointed out. Self-interested fits better and it isn't a bad thing to be self-interested. At least not in my opinion.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Zerohero

I can't even fathom the type of person who would act like this after a group a people painted their house for free. I mean WoW.

The scarry thing was while not as bad it also happend the year before. My unstanding of this programe was that you went to older peoples home who physically could not get out and maintain their home. We just went to the homes they gave us (not sure who who finds them) and did what was needed.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

It's a shame that you seem to have such a jaded view, FD. Sure there are people that abuse the system but there are also plenty of perfectly legit people out there in need of help. You shouldn't let a few bad apples ruin the bunch.

Don't know why, but your post made me think of the following:

At work, our cleaning and "security" crew are largely made up of folks with what I would imagine are best described as "learning disabilities." They clearly are impaired. YET- They come to work every day, are cheerful and generally bust their ass all of the time. I have more respect for each of them compared to many of my other coworkers, because they were clearly dealt a tough hand, and they're doing the best they can with it. When they need help with anything, (a ride somewhere, assistance with what they are doing, etc) I always make sure to lend a hand. I do not do the same for others that are not "challenged." That said, I understand firstdown's frustration when you see able bodied, able minded people who are in "a tough spot" not so much because of circumstances out of their control, but truly because of poor decision making and lack of proper prioritization. I'm not Jesus, hell Jesus wasn't even "Jesus." I'll help anyone that asks for it, but I'm not seeking out charity cases. That makes me selfish, and self-righteous. Also a bit of an ass. I'm ok with that.

[jamf]

This looks like a great thread!!!

Can someone call me and read it to me?
I would be great if you could do different voices for each post. Maybe you can use duplicate nelsons voice from the simpsons for Mredskins...