"Selfishness VS. Selflessness" by Sabrina R.

The line between selfishness and selflessness appears blurred at times.  Selfishness is considered wrong, but why is it wrong to want to succeed and appease one’s self-interest.  Selflessness is connected to kindness, but can easily be transformed into weakness.  There have been stories of selfish greedy leaders who have lost their souls and friends, stories of people who have been robbed of their potential greatness.  It is true, your damned if you do, damned if you don’t.  The dilemma between selfishness and selflessness has been present for centuries.  Which is the way to happiness, and which is the moral act.

            The act of being selfish has its perks, but it comes with a price.   Desire to be greater is allowed when being selfish.  When that desire is obtained one can feel self accomplished and on top of the world.  The problem is such success can sometimes only be obtained by being egoistic.  Egoism can isolate people and make them take blinded decisions.  The major problem with selfishness is that it only grows.  It grows until the person is no longer humane.  William H. Vanderbilt once said “The public be damned! I only care about my property.”  These words are evidence of how selfishness can blind and corrupt a person’s soul.

Selflessness is living for others without self-interest.  Living this way does not bring happiness.  Selflessness causes a loss in potential.  With a loss in potential a person can never reach greatness.  It is kind to think of others, but it is also good to care for oneself.  Thich Quang Duc’s suicide-protest is evidence that although selflessness can make a difference to others it can harm the selfless person.  People must care for themselves because other people are busy living their own lives.

            In moderation both acts can be accomplished, but the question is where does one end and the other begin.  One must be selfless because it comes from the heart.  When kindness to others comes from the heart, then it brings happiness to those receiving it and to those giving it.  Selfishness is a more complex act.  In many occasions trying to do something for oneself affects others negatively.  The problem is it’s impossible to please everyone.  The moderation is being happy, pleasing oneself by helping others.  One must be selfish and selfless depending on the situation.  The selfless should beware the selfish that take advantage, while the selfish should become more selfless.  Happiness is unreachable if one is weak or self-centered, there must be a middle ground.