The Problem with ‘Self’
Many Big Problems today can be viewed in terms of conflicting self-interests of two or more parties. Adam Smith wrote in his Wealth of Nations the concept of self-interest in capitalism. In general, everyone has an agenda of his own and that we tend to perform activities of those beneficial to our own interests. One can explain the war in Iraq as Saddam’s self-interest to stay in power and not let Coalition forces abdicate him. On the other hand, the US (or Bush) has a self-interest at stake, which I’m not sure of exactly what. Many other acts around the world can be related to selfish reasons. Some of you might argue that this is simply not true and there are altruistic acts. I don’t doubt that. However, altruistic acts are not the roots of problems. I can’t imagine a world with conflicting altruistic acts; if so, then it should categorized as conflicting self-interests. (if that makes any sense…)
Maybe it is a cynical way of examining the world around me, but I do believe that whether it’s a conscious act or an unconscious act, in some ways, it will benefit the person. Because if there is no return or benefit, then why even bother to do it in the first place, especially when you can spend that effort on something else that would definitely give something in return.
I just want to throw this idea out there and keep it at the back of the head as I discuss more Big Problems in the future.
Many Big Problems today can be viewed in terms of conflicting self-interests of two or more parties. Adam Smith wrote in his Wealth of Nations the concept of self-interest in capitalism. In general, everyone has an agenda of his own and that we tend to perform activities of those beneficial to our own interests. One can explain the war in Iraq as Saddam’s self-interest to stay in power and not let Coalition forces abdicate him. On the other hand, the US (or Bush) has a self-interest at stake, which I’m not sure of exactly what. Many other acts around the world can be related to selfish reasons. Some of you might argue that this is simply not true and there are altruistic acts. I don’t doubt that. However, altruistic acts are not the roots of problems. I can’t imagine a world with conflicting altruistic acts; if so, then it should categorized as conflicting self-interests. (if that makes any sense…)
Maybe it is a cynical way of examining the world around me, but I do believe that whether it’s a conscious act or an unconscious act, in some ways, it will benefit the person. Because if there is no return or benefit, then why even bother to do it in the first place, especially when you can spend that effort on something else that would definitely give something in return.
I just want to throw this idea out there and keep it at the back of the head as I discuss more Big Problems in the future.
