Individualism and Otherism

Individualism is the caring of oneself and Otherism is the caring of others. Does Otherism truly exist?

Though this may seem cold to say, but when a loved-one passes and people mourn, do they truly care about the person or what that person did for them? The happiness, joy and good times the person had brought them. When someone helps another with a maths question, would they truly do it for their friend or also (or perhaps the only reason) for the good feeling they get? Perhaps that would cause the person to feel smart, kind, desiring a returned favour and generous … whatever it may be, it’s about how they feel. One would not help someone who damaged them; someone that betrayed them or ruined their life – it doesn’t at all make anyone feel good. Though if someone were to assist someone whom they gravely disliked and were hurt ever so much, it would be done so of a deceitful nature and only for the great reward they shall reap. The contrary nature of this action would be of the desire to be compassionate: again, this would make the person feel good, being selfish.

Humans are, ultimately, selfish. People do what pleases them and makes them happy. One may say, “but what if we were to help someone with something with which we receive no benefits?”. What about the good feeling they received afterwards, the emotional aspect of the assistance? That, in itself, is selfish.

This then brings the question, is selfishness such bad thing? Not quite so. Not a thing in life is straight-cut, including selfishness. It’s dependant on the motivations and intentions – as outlined above. How can I help you with depression if I am depressed? Shouldn’t I need to have the wellbeing to do so? Setting the example and guide you upon enlightenment, taking you out of the depths of the awful depression. To live up to what I say I must take care of myself. Ensure that I’m not depressed before I can even consider being even of the slightest assistance.

So no matter what we do, think or represent. It’s all in the name of selfishness. The desire to satisfy oneself. Ultimately, Otherism does not exist.

:: Originally published at Ponder That