Selfishness vs Selflessness

Prioritizing your own needs and desires versus the needs and desires of others...

Selfish vs selfless are two opposite personality traits that define how individuals prioritize their own needs and desires versus the needs and desires of others. Selfish individuals tend to prioritize their own interests above all else, often at the expense of others.

Selfish for instance:

• May harm others for personal gain

• Often driven by greed or self-preservation

• Short-term gain with long-term consequences

One with these selfish traits may even act in a way that benefits themselves without considering the impact on others. Selfish individuals tend to exhibit behaviors that prioritize their own needs and desires above those of others. They may be unwilling to share resources, take credit for the work of others, or manipulate situations to their advantage. Selfish individuals may also lack empathy and consideration for the feelings of others, leading to strained relationships and conflicts.

A selfless individual demonstrates behaviors that prioritize the needs and well-being of others above their own. They are generous, compassionate, and willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others. Selfless individuals are often seen as kind, caring, and empathetic, fostering positive relationships and creating a sense of community.

Selfless for instance:

• Benefits others at one's expense

• Driven by compassion and empathy

• Long-term fulfillment from helping others

Selfish individuals may experience short-term gratification from achieving their own goals and fulfilling their desires. However, their focus on self-interest may lead to feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and dissatisfaction in the long run. Selfish individuals may struggle to form meaningful connections with others and experience a sense of isolation and alienation.

Selfless individuals derive personal fulfillment from helping others and making a positive impact on the world. Their acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion bring them a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection with others. Selfless individuals may experience greater levels of happiness, satisfaction, and well-being as a result of their altruistic actions.

Ultimately, the choice is ours. Selfishness or selflessness will greatly impact relationships and interactions with others on all levels: marriages, family, friends, socializing, work, governments.

The question we must ask ourselves is what and who is behind our selfishness or selflessness. What's behind selfishness is darkness, and what is behind selflessness is light.

Selfishness being darkness and darkness being of the flesh is the most destructive disease of the human soul.

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption...

Selflessness being light and light being of the Spirit, self-sacrifice increases the value of another life.

But the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Let each of you look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.~ Philippians 2:4