For some reason today I recalled an old essay I'd written for a philosophy class a few years ago. The thesis was something concerning all people being hedonists at heart. The idea I had was that only one real motivation backed all the actions of people everywhere, and that was the perceived betterment of self or self-image. Utilitarianism and selfless acts were just hallucinations. Martyrs die for causes because they truly believe that their sacrifice will be rewarded. Religions only exist because they promise their followers an afterlife or favor in a deity's eyes. Parental pride, jealousy, love, and all the other emotions are just various reflections of this self-obsession.
At the time I composed the essay I didn't believe a word of what I wrote. I wrote it solely for the grade. Recently, analyzing my own thoughts and actions I've become more and more convinced that this is actually the case.
It'd be nice to believe that people have the capability see from a perspective aside from themselves though.
Any thoughts on this?
At the time I composed the essay I didn't believe a word of what I wrote. I wrote it solely for the grade. Recently, analyzing my own thoughts and actions I've become more and more convinced that this is actually the case.
It'd be nice to believe that people have the capability see from a perspective aside from themselves though.
Any thoughts on this?
