what we want

[imthefoolonthehill]

We've been taught our entire life that it is admirable to place others wants and needs above our own.

we've always been told that unselfishness is a great virture

we've always been told not to be selfish

we've read the books and seen the movies and heard the stories where those who help others rather than themselves find happiness

no wonder we feel guilty even thinking about what we want.

what do we want?

in life, in love, in happiness?

these are questions someone must ask

if everyones helping someone else get what they want, what everyone wants is to help oneanother

and no one gets anywhere

no one gets what they want

We all feel that twinge of guilt when we ask, "what do I want?"

but what else could we be here for?

if its to serve other people, then what are they here for?

go, and do something you want. Something immediate. Then, think of what you want to do with your life. Think until you have an answer. This could be the most important time of your life. This is the most important question in your life.

me? i just had four scoops of dreyers strawberry ice cream.

the people im 'here' to serve? screw em. they can go to hell. its my time now. i will live for me.

[Snukes]

Hm. I wouldn't necessarily be so fast to say "screw 'em," but you're certainly right about one thing - you can't (really) help anyone else until/unless you're on solid ground yourself.

Which, can, I suppose, turn into a fine excuse for complete self-absorbtion...

[ihrocks]

I think more people spend time chasing after their own desires than helping others, but so often once they get what they want, the taste is not so sweet, and so they chase the next desire and the next. Thus, they spend all their time in an exhausting pursuit that never ends. Or maybe not.

[amuse]

well...i think it's like that old analogy of heaven and hell, fool.

hell being where you try to serve yourself with a 3-ft. long spoon, and heaven where everyone is feeding (serving) each other. ;)

keeping in mind of course that earth is not heaven, and it is necessary to take care of ourselves!

[baddad]

What we want..............is to neccessarily be 'true to ourselves'.....the rest will take care of itself. Of course, this only works if humans, as I believe, are innately good. But the truth of life is that so many find it diffucult to actually be true to themselves. Few institutions (schools, governments, societies, religions) encourage this behavior, but instead endeavor to stamp out little cookie-cutter replicas of consumers, worker bees, blind followers, whatever contributes to the wellbeing of the elite, and a generally numbing material comfort of the masses.......and suprising to me, people generally follow along this route with nary a peep of protest, except the occasional bout of wishful thinking......but then they are quickly back in lockstep.......the conditioning is almost irresistable......for most, but not for all of us........

[Sancho]

Awe shucks Fool. I thought you were a Republican. And I thought that most Republicans were right-wing Christians. And you know, it was the Christians who started all of that “Love your brother – turn the other cheek” B.S. wasn’t it? Before that it was: I’m gonna watch out for me and mine and everybody else, outta my way.

I don’t this is political. Do you? I think it’s just sarcastic. And it seems to me, that the Fool doesn’t usually take things personally anyway.

[fayefaye]

I had to grin when I saw this thread because I can't remember the last time I EVER felt guilty for wanting something for myself. Screw unselfishness; there's no such thing as altruism. (but my philosophy is a dayyyngerous thang)

[Koa]

I think more people spend time chasing after their own desires than helping others, but so often once they get what they want, the taste is not so sweet, and so they chase the next desire and the next. Thus, they spend all their time in an exhausting pursuit that never ends. Or maybe not.

And isn't this the summary of the whole human life? As Schopenhauer said at least, and I don't feel like disagreeing.


I had to grin when I saw this thread because I can't remember the last time I EVER felt guilty for wanting something for myself. Screw unselfishness; there's no such thing as altruism. (but my philosophy is a dayyyngerous thang)

Faye! First of all, great to see you here! *waves and smiles*

Well, this is weird though. I don't consider myself an altruist, I admit I am rather selfish...but I do feel horribly guilty when I want something for myself, and at one time of my life it kinda helped ruining a time of possible serenity... now that I know I wouldn't repeat the mistake but it's too late for that particular thing.

I liked the fool's post and the way he brought the issue. Ok we're not meant to screw the others and make the world a place where everyone cares only of his/herself but allowing ourselves things should be great...

[Bandini]

Guilt is a wasted emotion - as Neitzsche said. Remember, there's no think about yourself/think about others dichotomy. "Do as thou wilt - and love - shalt be the whole of the law" - Robert Anton Wilson, paraphrasing Crowley.

[Koa]

Interesting

[fayefaye]

Faye! First of all, great to see you here! *waves and smiles*
...

*grins and waves back*

[fayefaye]

koa! you've overtaken my post count! :P :p

[imthefoolonthehill]

Awe shucks Fool. I thought you were a Republican. And I thought that most Republicans were right-wing Christians. And you know, it was the Christians who started all of that “Love your brother – turn the other cheek” B.S. wasn’t it? Before that it was: I’m gonna watch out for me and mine and everybody else, outta my way.

I don’t this is political. Do you? I think it’s just sarcastic. And it seems to me, that the Fool doesn’t usually take things personally anyway.


Do you own a weedwacker?

If not, I guess you are a homosexual.

if you haven't heard that joke, its a good one, and applies perfectly.

Do you know what happens when we assume?


I love how the very people who are against labeling people do it themselves.

I also love Orange sorbets.

[Sancho]

Baaahh, hahahahahaha

That stung a little, eh?

As a matter of fact I do own a nylon filament garden trimmer, so I guest I’m not a homosexual – not that there’s anything wrong with that…

Is it still recess? Did the bell ring yet? Can we go back to class now?

I don’t mind labeling people and it’s been my observation that Republicans are proud to be Republicans anyway. Lately it seems that Republicans are so proud to be Republicans that they consider it, sort of, their – Calling.

Whooee, this is fun.

[imthefoolonthehill]

no, it didn't sting.

what is fun?

[Sancho]

No way, dude. Uh, I mean Fool. I meant you stung me.

Anyhow,
"What is Fun?"

It's a noun - also a verb.

[imthefoolonthehill]

what were you reffering to as fun?