Self Interest

It is the heart of humanity, the fuel that drives this great machine that is civilization. Yet despite being such an imperative factor in our lives it is the least understood and the most exploited. It governs every aspect of our existence, and influences our every decision and action. Self interest has been the fire behind evolution. It is hard wired in our DNA. It has been the reason why humanity is not extinct yet. The desire to survive. We all love ourselves more than we care about others. Love thy neighbor as thy self is simply ridiculous. Communism failed because it went against this fundamental aspect of human nature. Some people would say religion teaches the ideas of selflessness. On the contrary, it exploits self interest to extra ordinary levels. The fear of eternal damnation. Each one of church, mosque or temple goers are driven by the hope of salvation which is nothing more than the desire to save ones own skin and be looked upon favorably by whichever mythical being they think is in control. Charity by nonreligious people? Well,it all started as self interest that resulted into wealth and ultimately pity for the less fortunate.  Besides, one feels satisfied and good about oneself by being charitable. It gives you the feeling that you are somehow important and better off. Each and every human action can be broken down to the benefit it has to the individual. The only way to get ahead in life is by thinking about yourself above everything else. Sounds cruel and selfish. It is. It has always been and always will be. Self interest is civilization's drive force, the vehicle of progress. I just got rid of the sugar coating that is so treasured by the society.