Module 3

1. "We are all here on earth to help others. What I can't figure out is what the others are here for." --W. H. Auden. Discuss.

We try to help others out of responsibility or out of natural will. But if we are here to help others, then what are others here for? Isn’t it the same with love, which has been one of the topics discussed during lecture, that you need to give or render love unconditionally without thinking of receiving something back? It is same as helping. If one can help, then do it. One can find happiness and satisfaction in helping others. It doesn't matter anymore if they help you back as long as you have done something worth your while. You have served your purpose for others so let them be whatever they want to do with their lives. It's their own choice to remain as the typical “others” in the statement or to step up and help others as well. All we need to do is to give and take. But always giving without receiving won’t be a harmful matter. We don’t really need to make a big deal out of it. For giving or doing something for others is one noble task or responsibility that is indirectly given to us by God.

2. Ethical egoists think that people will be happiest if they look out for themselves and not concern themselves with others but is this where true human happiness lies? Discuss.

“No man is an Island!” So, what is happiness when you are all alone?  No one can put up with something all by himself. True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done. DEEDS, a praiseworthy act. Makes sense? Pure happiness is only achieved if one concerns himself with others. Being egoistic means that you are self-centered. If egoistic people thinks happiness can be gained by restricting all his emotions only for himself, then so be it. It is his own perception of happiness. But as for me, it is definitely a big NO! Doing well not only for yourself but as well as to the people around you can assure you satisfaction and peacefulness. God made Eve for Adan to be with someone. So why would we seclude ourselves only to ourselves if we are created and destined to face and interact with all the people we get to meet each day? True happiness may be a deep pair of words but it isn’t that difficult to get once you understand the essence of living.

3. What are the roots of egoism? Where does it come from? What do egotistical people FEAR?????

Egoism, for me, comes from the upbringing of the ancestors. It is also hereditary. For example, if the parents or even the grandparents spoil their young ones will result to a very unlikely attitude problem for the child. This might be a case to case to basis but it is often the situation. Over-confidence and self-centered can be built up as the child grows since the people around him supports him all through the way even if it is not that advisable anymore. Also, egoism might root from pride and self-pity. Pride in the sense that all you want is to have something your way and never let others interfere with it or even discriminate it. “I can beat you all!”, “You are nothing compared to me!” These are all statements that mostly come out from an egoistic person. Self-pity in the sense that you do something as a defense mechanism when you are already hurt or you feel unwanted. That is when one starts to be self-reliable and begin with being unconcerned with others to prevent himself from getting hurt again. They may think solely about themselves but can you ask yourselves why they are like this? Egoistic as what we call them? I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. We might not know what their personal reasons for being self-centered and over-confident but we can understand them once in a while. Maybe. Human as we are, we tend to be selfish. And no one can deny that universal fact. And for me, what egoistic people are afraid the most is losing to himself and to others. Everyone hates losing isn’t it?