Quote:
Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars
Once, I heard something pretty profound, and it kinda relates:
I was told that everything everyone does their first choice. Every action somebody performs is their first choice, given the circumstances. For example, a homeless person is homeless, because it's their choice -- not due to some external events.
Here's the reasoning:
Nobody does anything they don't want to do. Sure, there are things we don't want to do -- but if we do them, it's for a reason. Usually, when we do something we don't "want" to it's because we'd rather not face the consequences of neglecting to do them. Therefore, everything we do is because we choose to -- mostly because we are trying to avoid worse circumstances. So, a homeless person is homeless because they would rather not face the consequences/responsibilities of not being homeless. Their first choice is to be homeless.
This can be carried to the point of absurdity, so let's not get too literal. Of course my first choice would be to win the lottery and never work again. However, I choose to work everyday because the outcome is more predictable and more certain. Therefore, work is my first choice -- d'oh!
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That's basically Hobbes.
The first time I heard it I thought it was bunk. Over time, though, I've come to realize that it is true. Everyone is supremely self-interested. Sometimes their interests are noble - they enjoy the feeling of helping others. However, they do what they do because it's their choice. I've yet to think up an exception, although I would love for there to be one.