Are you selfish?

What a fun nite at our toastmaster meeting last night! We had a contest going on at our clubs to pick the best speakers and the best evaluators to represent our club to compete in larger audiences. I opted to be the Chief of Judge --just because. It was an interesting experience to be one, though it was not what I had in mind :-)

But, what I like to zeroing today is how the last speaker has captured my attention. Yes. He was funny but the topic that he has chosen --Selfishness, is quite an interesting one, I said to myself. He won the 2nd best speakers due to the nature of the contest --humorous speech. He was quite entertaining but the winner was definitely well deserved one, leaving us teary --from laughing so hard. .But the topic of 'selfishness' --has definitely lasted longer in my mind.

During his speech, the speaker made an argument, in fact a very convincing one, stating that we are one way or another --selfish.. Either we are more selfish or just about right. He argued that whatever gestures that we had made whether gift giving, donating to charity, tending our family, giving our best to our loved ones might be, we would always receive something in return --mentally or physically. Be a satisfactory feeling, being proud or having something to brag about --having our children go to the Ivy League school perhaps :-)

I remember having so many thoughts flashing thru my mind thinking that 'No, I am not selfish,' not until he mentioned that there are some emotionally rewards --satisfaction, happiness, being respective, being loved .... you got my point. Really! I guess I am a bit selfish and  here is what the Dalai Lama has to say about human beings and selfishness.

"Human beings are not intrinsically selfish, which isolates us from others. We are essentially social animals who depend on others to meet our needs. We achieve happiness, prosperity and progress through social interaction. Therefore, having a kind and helpful attitude contributes to our own and others' happiness."

Hope you enjoy our stop today visiting the subject of 'selfishness'.'

Until next stop,
Journey of Life