FabSwingers.com forum: In your own best interests

By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

n the 'Modern Day Slavery' Thread I made the following post in reply to a comment that basically said that the problem with the world is that every one just acts in their own best interests.

I always find the argument that their is something wrong with people doing what is in their own best interest totally bazar.

Surely if every one does what is in their own best interests then the best interests of the majority are being served?

Are you really saying that people should not do what is in their own best interests. How does that work? If every only did what was in the best interests of someone else surly we would end up with only the best interests of a minority being served?

Please explain to me exactly what you mean.

To which I recieved the folloing reply from priapus

By only doing what is in your own best interests, you will inevitably shit on others. Then someone will be shitting on you. Everyone is antagonised. Why? Just so you can say "this is mine all mine"?

So my question is "Would it really produce a better sociaty if everyone always acted in the best interests of someone else rather than themselves?"

And my answer to Priapus's comment.

Why would I believe that shitting on other people, either literally or metaphorically, was in my own best interests. Do you believe that your best interests would be served by shitting on other people? And if so why?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I guess there's a big difference between self-interest and enlightened self-interest and selfishness and what Handy called 'Proper Selfishness". One denies the interconectedness of all beings the other is based on it.

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By *dventuroususCouple
over a year ago

sunderland

Why not leave it in the other thread instead of starting a new one.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why not leave it in the other thread instead of starting a new one."

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By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

"Why not leave it in the other thread instead of starting a new one."

Because it ran out of space

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By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

"I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all. "

But is not the common good also the good of the majority and therefor be best served by the each serving their own best interests?

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By *empting Devil.Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield

"I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all.

But is not the common good also the good of the majority and therefor be best served by the each serving their own best interests?"

What you are suggesting that each individual acting in their own best interests will cumulatively be in the common good. Unfortunately what is in my best interests will not necessarily be in yours ad infinitum.

The common good is best served by a policy of 'do as you would be done by' not (as you seem to suggest) by 'do as you will'.

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By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

"I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all.

But is not the common good also the good of the majority and therefor be best served by the each serving their own best interests?

The common good is best served by a policy of 'do as you would be done by' not (as you seem to suggest) by 'do as you will'."

Or 'Do on to others as you would have them do onto you' even.

And I would agree that that is a good approach to take. I also think it is in my best interests to take that approach, so should I not now take that approach because it's in my best interest to take it.

I really am totally confused by what people are saying.

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By *empting Devil.Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield

"I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all.

But is not the common good also the good of the majority and therefor be best served by the each serving their own best interests?

The common good is best served by a policy of 'do as you would be done by' not (as you seem to suggest) by 'do as you will'.

Or 'Do on to others as you would have them do onto you' even.

I really am totally confused by what people are saying."

The common good and what is good for the majority are not always the same.

Example: Hitler gained power at the hands of the majority who clearly felt (at that time) that he was the best option.

Just because a majority decide something is in their best interest does not make it what is best for the common good.

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

I always liked the saying that your energy is best served by building your own castles, than wasted by ripping other people's down

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By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

"I think people and our lives are best when we live within the bounds of working for the common good.

It doesn't stop people doing what they, if there is no harm to others, but is supportive of all.

But is not the common good also the good of the majority and therefor be best served by the each serving their own best interests?

The common good is best served by a policy of 'do as you would be done by' not (as you seem to suggest) by 'do as you will'.

Or 'Do on to others as you would have them do onto you' even.

I really am totally confused by what people are saying.

The common good and what is good for the majority are not always the same.

Example: Hitler gained power at the hands of the majority who clearly felt (at that time) that he was the best option.

Just because a majority decide something is in their best interest does not make it what is best for the common good."

Well I agree that, while people may think what they are doing (ie voting for Hitler) is in their best interests it may turn out that they were wrong but I think that is a different point.

And, maybe, what happened in Germany was that every one voted for what they thought was the common, or other peoples best interests and that's how they got Hitler. We'll never know.

But either way it doesn't answer my question.

Is it more likely that the common, or majorities, best interests are served by people serving their own best interests or by serving the best interests of someone else?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So; nipping next door & ripping off my neighbour's sound system is in my own interest, so that's fine then?

Interesting thread......

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By *nleashedCraken OP Man
over a year ago

Widnes

"So; nipping next door & ripping off my neighbour's sound system is in my own interest, so that's fine then?

Interesting thread......

How is ripping of your neighbour's sound system in your best interests?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Great question!

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley

Google the desederata you will be enlightened by its wise words.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's a reality most humans are selfish but that is life ,you ain't gonna change it

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By *arry247Couple
over a year ago

Wakefield

But either way it doesn't answer my question.

Is it more likely that the common, or majorities, best interests are served by people serving their own best interests or by serving the best interests of someone else?"

The reason you cannot get an answer to your question is because you are asking if serving the best interests of one individual or serving the best interests of another individual would produce the best interests for all.

There is simply no answer as the interests of either individual could harm society as a whole.

The common, or majorities, best interests are served by people serving the best interests of others rather than the best interests of any specific individual.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Google the desederata you will be enlightened by its wise words.

Was hung on the entrance wall of the holiday let I stayed in this summer.

"Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others..."

Apt!

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley

"Google the desederata you will be enlightened by its wise words.

Was hung on the entrance wall of the holiday let I stayed in this summer.

"Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others..."

Apt!"

It's a fantastic guide to how to conduct yourself throughout life.

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seek happiness and help others to do the same.

That's it, really.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I always liked the saying that your energy is best served by building your own castles, than wasted by ripping other people's down

"
Wow I love this saying ... its a new one for me Thank you. xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look after number 1

Number 1 is my fiancé which I'm in the middle of building a financially secure future for us where we don't have to worry

Hard work and determination

A bit of speculation thrown in too....just in case

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