Basic Truths
Before we can begin acquiring people skills, there are a few basic truths that must be grasped. Understanding human nature is critical and provides a foundation on which to build. Without that foundation, our house of skills will crumble and fall.
One of the most basic human truths stems from our selfish nature. Our primary concern and focus in life is ourselves! Whether due to our strong spirit or our self-preservation instincts, we place ourselves about all other considerations. We are the center of our own universe and more important than anyone else.
30 comments:
Great B post Diane, Yes we all seem to think of ourselves but perhaps if we thought a bit more of others feelings not only would we make them feel a whole lot happier it would do likewise for us,
Look forward to your next post.
Yvonne.
It's really only natural that we are selfish since the first person we become aware of as infants is ourselves as we discover our fingers and toes etc. Altruism is something we have to learn. Which means, learning to be less selfish is all about our teachers.
Interesting post. Makes complete sense that we would be selfish, and while it isn't ALWAYS a good thing, it definitely helps in some situations1
Bish, and some have better teachers than others.
Yes, I'll drink to that Diane, but I guess for self preservation that's the way we're wired. (God, alliteration at this time of night!)
Denise
I'll look forward to learning more.
You can't make others happy if you can't first make yourself happy! Great post :)
Universal Gibberish
This is a great piece. I have to agree. We have to know and love ourselves in life but we have to also learn how to put it aside in order to be there for others from time to time.
Another great reminder and something I think we're all guilty of from time to time!
Remembering to get outside of our own heads is not just important, but vital in order to grow and connect with others.
Love this post! :)
Weighing in with an opposing opinion (any surprises there? No? I thought not.) ;)
We are born without the ability to distinguish between ourselves and everything else, but that isn't our nature any more than it's our nature to be tiny, bald, wrinkled, and funny-looking.
Some children have to be taught to consider others, and some children have to be taught to protect themselves. Nature AND nurture AND self-reflection make us who we are.
Excellent, thought-provoking post, Diane, as always!
Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes
Ah, yes... but what can this do FOR ME!? I think this is so true. Different people manifest it differently, but it is in there somewhere.
Yes, people are selfish. We see it all the time. It's sad and yet everyone suffers from it although many try not to be selfish. Great B word.
Agreed, the most basic example of this is the drive for self-preservation. Fortunately, some of us are taught to temper that basic instinct. Insightful B post.
*~MAJK~*
Safireblade.com
A To Z Challenge
totally agree, but I also think there is a fine line between selfish and being too giving!
Maybe some of us need to be more self-aware, too, to be able to see when we *are* being selfish! So true that it's a natural thing.
I love your AtoZ theme!! I hope your month is GREAT! :)
Ah, but selfishness is so easy! :) I think this starts to shift with parenthood for many - almost to the other extreme for some. Great post.
I'm going to enjoy reading your posts this month, Diane.
yep, we tend to think of ourselves first and it's why we need to teach our children Empathy-fellow feeling.
Love the expression on the cat's face.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Selfishness is an inherent human trait - thankfully it becomes less our goal as we mature. However, we all need to identify what makes us happy and content; most often that motivates us to seek that for those around us, too!
Thanks for making me stop and think....!
SueH I refuse to go quietly!
Nice post and sadly I agree many who are in management today must have stayed home for that lesson because the one skill they need they haven't a clue :)
Yes we are selfish, but we often find meaning in selflessness, too. love the picture.
Great A-Z post!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Thank you for all of your thoughts. I need to get busy visiting blogs.
That's interesting and true. Unfortunately it usually is all about ME. :(
Yes indeed. I try to not think of myself on many occasions, but I often fall into the 'nature' of it.
Happy a-z.
We're definitely in an all-about-me culture!
Cats provide a great example of thinking only of oneself.
Deep down inside, we're still little kids!
Oh, and thanks for the comments on my blog too. I just wish there was a reply button!
Hi, Diane,
We all have self serving natures. Most people do things thinking they will get something out of their effort. Take the A-Z for example. We all have our reasons for doing it. Are they self serving? Probably.
Oh and cats--they're totally selfish. :)
Teresa
It's a matter of finding a balance isn't it? We need to juggle taking care of ourselves with thinking of other people.
Hi Diane! Interesting post. Lots of great comments about it.
Susanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER
Too true. And yet, we forget that and are shocked when someone behaves selfishly.
Very interesting theme. I can't wait to read the other letters. :)
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