02-21-2006, 08:22 PM
Excellent post Dragonforce, you are on a path to wisdom but still have a ways to go. On your opening thoughts regarding altruistic behavior you are correct. Most people who donate or help do so for the accolades and the power. True giving is done anonymously (and that includes not deducting it from your income tax). A past friend told me a story of a homeless shelter she helped oversee. A car dealership owner came to her and wanted to donate a bunch of money on the condition he publicize it all over the city. She respectfully turned down the money.
Regarding your beliefs of enacting laws to force altruism, it will not work. One cannot enact laws to force people to care about what is right. For one, there is too much of a difference of opinion.
While your heart and mind may be in the right place, your ideas of legislating morality will not work either. Look at the present US government. Do you think the present administration, including the president, wake up each day thinking on ways they are going to stick to the people? No, they actually believe they know what is best for us. Look how it's working out so far.
You are correct that overall people are self-centered and selfish. We all are, but some of us try to put the selfishness aside for a moment, an hour or even a day. Humility is something that while never fully achievable should always be the goal.
Keep on the path and you will maker a difference. When you get discouraged and feel helpless, remember that helping just one person or one situation can have a positive outcome.
desNotes
Regarding your beliefs of enacting laws to force altruism, it will not work. One cannot enact laws to force people to care about what is right. For one, there is too much of a difference of opinion.
While your heart and mind may be in the right place, your ideas of legislating morality will not work either. Look at the present US government. Do you think the present administration, including the president, wake up each day thinking on ways they are going to stick to the people? No, they actually believe they know what is best for us. Look how it's working out so far.
You are correct that overall people are self-centered and selfish. We all are, but some of us try to put the selfishness aside for a moment, an hour or even a day. Humility is something that while never fully achievable should always be the goal.
Keep on the path and you will maker a difference. When you get discouraged and feel helpless, remember that helping just one person or one situation can have a positive outcome.
desNotes