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Old 07-23-2009, 03:45 PM   #27
SmootSmack
Uncle Phil
 
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 45,256
Re: Selfishness and Human Nature

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeRedskin View Post
In other words, only by understanding and acting on our self interest can we "Do unto others as we would have them do unto us."
JoeRedskin is so selfish he only quotes himself

I have done a lot of volunteer work over the past 15 or so years. And I generally enjoy it but they have almost always been fueled by self-focused motives more so than the desire to help others. Helping others has been a nice bonus, of course.

In high school-community service looks great on the resume when applying for colleges. In college-party at my place got way out of hand so I was all about community service again. Now-Here at work it's strongly encouraged, very strongly "encouraged" that you devote several hours of your time to volunteering. So my motivation quite honestly has always been that it will help me or make me look good. Furthermore, I'm particular about what volunteer work I will do. I personally really enjoy working with kids so a lot of the volunteer work generally centers around working with them. If I'm asked to volunteer at some soup kitchen to feed the homeless, will I do it? Sure, I've done it in the past but given the choice I'd rather wait for a volunteer opportunity that I enjoy.

So I wonder, how many of you that volunteer or do community service (whatever you want to call it) are the same way-your primary motive is how it will reflect upon you and you pick and choose the type of volunteer work you will do?
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