All of these responses have been great! And I will take some time to ponder on them. Thank you for your input.
Now, as to my observation on the truth or principle, if you will, concerning how it is impossible for anyone to do anything for someone else without some element of selfish motivation attached, allow me to expound. I came to this self-realization some years ago and know this to be true for everyone (regardless of status). I have gotten friends (especially Christians) really going at dinner parties with this statement. People automatically join a negative association with the term selfish motivation. We have all been trained to think of it as "bad" or negative behavior to act "selfish". However, to think I can do something for someone else without some selfish motivation attached to the act, is self-delusional. The following are two examples use to help illustrate:
1. A homeless person on the street asks a man walking by for money. The man refuses and walks on. By not giving money to the homeless person, we believe he acts in a selfish manner.
2. A homeless person on the street asks another man who is walking by for money. The man gives him a dollar. By giving money to the homeless person, we believe he dose not act in a selfish manner.
But the truth is that both men acted out of selfish motivation. For one it is not important to help but to keep his money in his pocket, and selfish motivation is satisfied. For the other it is important to help others and by giving, selfish motivation is satisfied. He fills well that he gave money to the needy person. This isn?t to say that both are equal, for they are not. One satisfies selfish motivation without benefiting his fellow man. While the other satisfies selfish motivation while benefiting his fellow man. I call it negative verses positive selfish motivation (or gratification). One is egocentric and the other is symbiotic or synergetic. Negative/positive, but both selfish in nature. This may seem like "hair splitting" but it is actually a very important distinction. When we realize that what we do (whatever it may be) primarily satisfies US and not who we envision we are intending the "good" act for (even though they may benefit as well), then no frustration is necessary when our "good deed" goes un-thanked or unappreciated.
You will always do that which satisfies you (first), even if it seems as if your act of kindness has no self-seeking motivation. To believe otherwise, is not a true principle.
To embrace your selfish nature is OK. Acknowledge it, and do something with it that benefits others
