Many of us may think we have the perfect trait or believe we know someone who is humble and self-effacing but I think that behind the facade people create this truly isn't the case.
Narcissism vs Psychological Egoism
Narcissism refers to an interest in one's self. This could be appearance-wise and the way they look, or it could be about their robust character that they take a little too much pride over. However, psychological egoism is the thesis that all sentient beings act with the end goal of adding to their self-interest.
Psychological Egoism
Psychological egoism is the view that humans are always motivated by self-interest, even in what seem to be acts of altruism. It claims that, when people choose to help others, they do so ultimately because of the personal benefits that they expect to obtain, directly or indirectly, from doing so.
Are We All Just Naturally Vain?
Frankly, I believe deep down we are all conceited and too self-indulged with our own selves.
Most are in denial of this fact and try to put out this front that we are meek and unpretentious. Everything we do in the end is motivated by how it makes us feel. Even those so called selfless acts are ultimately self-serving in that they satisfy some desire within us to exhibit benevolence or justice for humanity.
We are in a perpetual fantasy of our own lives creating this make-believe world where even the pursuit of existential detachment from life will only plunge one deeper into its vastness.
To exist is all we know, our limited perspective is all we are aware, so when someone helps you, in turn, know that it is always about them and vice versa. What do you think? Depressive, yet liberating. Some feel like they are coerced or think that assisting someone will not only help their reputation but they will get a dividend from it in different forms in the future.
I concede that self-interest motivates every single human action. Even if the outcome does not reflect this, the motivation is still there for us to do things for our self-benefit or a mutual aid with someone.
I leave you with some wise words of Director, Todd Solondz:
Thank You for Reading