Individualism and Self-Interest - Only the way to succeed

I’ve come to realise that we have all been designed to question ourselves and others as to how the world is supposed to respond and treat us. We all have an innate desire to be treated with respect and compassion. The thing that strikes me most is how truly unreciprocated our society is. Something I’ve learned from the collective behaviour of this world is that it is based on self-interest - to fundamentally live and succeed in this world; one must take care of themselves first before caring about others.

I don’t know much about the nature of politics of this world and won’t delve too much into it. I did study International Business and one of the major core of this subject that relates to this tragedy of this world is that of the democratic system. This hedonistic self-interest has particularly destroyed our genuine need to concern ourselves for others. People, including myself, have been as a consequence of this pleasure-pursuing ideology, transformed into automations. I suppose this is how the world works and will continue to work.

I think that we’ve lost sight of just the essence of casual interaction. One example in mind is that fixed and controlled atmosphere when you step onto a train carriage. Everyone is so occupied with what it is that they are doing or where it is they need to get to. What’s even more devastating is when a person tries to speak to another person on the train - it is perceived as eccentric and abnormal. No one really takes the time to have a conversation with other people. One of the most memorable movies that I’ve enjoyed watching over and over again is Before Sunset starring Ethan Hunt and Julie Delpy.

The movie is a simple depiction of the art of conversation and although it’s hugely romanticised in the movie, the beauty of such. The two characters stroll around the suburb of France on a limited timeframe and the movie revolves basically around the leisure of conversation between two people. It’s a lovely movie that portrays the magic of conversation. Of course, there are other themes deep in the movie but I’d like to think that the major element of the story is simply the rudimentary of conversation.

Anyway, it seems that this is an established norm throughout our community and hence, our society. This self-interested individualism is totally pervasive in corporate activities and interactions. It’s a stigma that works as an initiative to concentrate on profitability. You can definitely see this from multi-national corporations that work so well in their industry, yet couldn’t give a shit about their human resources, that is, the people who work for them. Though this is a prevalent, sometimes implicit, corporate philosophy for corporations - I know that there is no other alternative to it.

The plateau on which the world stands on is dictates by the goal of success. The success of which is determined how profitable (monetary-wise) a person or entity is. We all want something. We all have needs. This is why we forget about others and attempt to seek self-pleasure. I find this disturbing but at the same time, concede that there is an inherent goal to all people. I’m not expert in this field but that’s my spill on it.

Hedonism, certainly drives our static need for happiness and satisfaction. The satisfaction for most people seem to be measured by the extent of the pleasure we acquire from fulfilling certain needs and wants. I don’t know if this is a universal idea that is found in all people but it appears so. When we don’t get want we want - we feel empty, useless and unaccomplished. Whether this is a tangible good, a desired social response, a position in some certain social hierarchy or whatever we desire - when we don’t reach or obtain this - it slowly destroys our self-confidence and our worth as a person is somewhat diminished.

One of the quotes I admire, also from Before Sunset, is:

“It’s okay to want things as long as you’re not pissed off when you don’t get them.”

I love this quote. I might not live by it, as much as I want but it particularly exemplifies the general reaction people should accept when we are rejected, unwanted or don’t receive what we want.

Because we are people; we are first created to impress ourselves and then to care for others. So heartless it sounds. But with how the world is evolving, the only way to adapt and survive in it is how I see it is ideally, in the realms of individualism and our capacity to be independent.

I’m going to end this on a poignant note but really think about it and there may be some truth hidden in it - No individual truly, really, or genuinely cares for another individual. Ultimately, the only person we are to care about is ourselves. The concern for others indeed only complements our ego - not alway, but a most of the time.*

*(I am a hypocrite. I do care for other people!)