Selfishness and Human Nature

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

A bigger person can look past someone's perceived lack of gratitude and say you know what, that person is better off for having crossed paths with me, and that's enough for me. Sure a thank you is nice, but it's not required. Good deeds should not have strings attached.

That is the true indicator of a selfless act/person, IMO.

A person who can do something for others, and not get angry when they don't appreciate it or are mean/selfish in return -- and continue doing for others, even in the face of continual ingratitude. They can look through that person's ego and see the true being. They can see that their actions were not provoked by *them*, but instead by their ego -- the thing inside us that needs to identify with forms, have more than others, and generally feel superior.

But, you all know my position on this matter. No need to rehash it. Just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head Matty.

Joe, if you really want to explore the "non-selfish" side of this argument, I would urge you to read "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. I think it is a book that can be enjoyed even if you don't agree with it.