why are so many people so shallow

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   lovetherainposted 6 years ago

   and greedy? What is it about human nature that makes people this way?

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      Hxprofposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Sin nature.

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      wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Don't know about shallow, but they're greedy because they want more than they have.
      
      Not always a bad thing, for if you think about it our inventions and improvements in life all come from greed.  If it didn't we'd still be cooking over a campfire somewhere, but we wanted a roof with running water, lights and a cooking range.  Things we didn't have with that campfire.

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Thats not greed, wilderness. Thats just accessing our amazing human ingenuity!
         
         Greed is getting (taking) more than you need; an excessive amount. The love of the power it gives you, goes along with it. Those who have power end up taking advantage of others, while caring NOTHING about them.
         
         Ultimately, to me, greed seems to be a case of deluding oneself as to one's  own importance over others and insulating oneself from "the rest" who are in less lofty situations. And they usually only associate with other greedy, delusional individuals. They are all binging on power/wealth.

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            RTalloniposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            It is indeed important to be careful not to call curiosity greed!  We were designed to build and write and sew and cook and learn and do all kinds of wonderful things. Selfishness turns these things into greed for many, true, but the pride of life we are warned about in Scripture answers many such questions as posted here. People say they want the solution, but they don't. They want the solution they want. 
            
            If we get more than we need and we use that extra for the good of others, then that isn't greed, but too often it does lead to a love of power and desire for more. Wealth and power are not the problem. It is the condition of the human heart misusing those things rather than protecting and helping others with them.
            
            Once I read of an aged Christian lady who kept notes as she read her Bible. After her death it was found that she had recorded a small sum she had been given on a certain date. Her note? "Give it! Give it quick before my heart grows cold!" At the feet of the Savior she had learned what she really needed, learned what was important for this life and eternity.

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               wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               "If we get more than we need and we use that extra for the good of others, then that isn't greed"
               
               Can't really agree with that, as the use for excess things does not determine if we wanted them or not.  Plus, massaging our own ego/desires in giving things away certainly does not mean we aren't greedy in collecting more than we need in the first place.

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                  gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  There is NO SUCH THING as excess.  People have different needs.  No one wants to subsist at the POVERTY LEVEL.  There is NOTHING WRONG w/ abundance, plenty, & ………...WEALTH!  IT IS ALL GOOD, YOU KNOW...…..
                  
                  

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                     Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                     This woman's face does not exactly reveal a happy frame of mind. How come?

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                        gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                        She is very happy in her element.

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                  RTalloniposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  Motivation behind good deeds certainly is a defining factor. Not everyone who works to gain wealth so they can give more to help others does it to massage their own egos. One of the most profound motivations comes from some who even do good deeds with their things (money) thinking they earn merit/points for entrance into Heaven (sadly some religious leaders teach this).

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            wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            "Greed is getting (taking) more than you need"
            
            But we need no more than a campfire and a lean to shelter.  We have 2000 square foot houses, cars, boats, computers and cell phones.
            
            But notice I did NOT say that all greed was bad!

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               gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               But it ISN'T  greed to have the AMENITIES of life.  It is called...……..CIVILIZATION.   It is a part of CIVILIZATION, MODERNITY, & CULTURE to have AMENITIES & THINGS beyond the RUDIMENTARY LEVEL.
               
               

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                  wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  Civilization.  Amenities.
                  
                  You mean things like a yacht, private jet, mansion on the shoreline, caviar for breakfast, servants, etc?
                  
                  Have you ever considered how odd it is that whatever we have, or however much we have, it is reasonable - civilization and amenities - while what those with more have is pure, unadulterated greed?

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                     gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                     Man, I feel SORRY for you.   I told you that ENVY is toxic, man.  Why are YOU concerned about what OTHERS have, man?  Tend to what you have.  If people MYOB, they would be much happier!   If a person has a yacht, caviar, servants, & other things- GOOD for them.   I have SOMETHING for you, Wilderness, HERE it ……….IS!
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     

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                        wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                        Why so defensive, GM?  All I said was that one persons "need" or simple luxury they enjoy is anothers "greed" - something that should be self-evident!

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                           gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                           There is NO such thing as greed.  If a person works for it, h/she can have AS MUCH AS h/she WANTS- HAVE AT IT!  It's HIS/HER money.  Do with it as H/SHE will.  Why DOES this bother you, wilderness.   Let others have what they please, TEND to YOU!

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                              wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                              From Mirriam Webster:
                              
                              Definition of greed
                              : a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed
                              
                              Seems you are mistaken; anyone that wants more than they need is classified as "greedy".  That includes everyone I've ever met, including myself.
                              
                              But it doesn't bother me - not sure why you think it does.  On the other hand, why does it bother you that some people want large families - just because you don't want one?  Because it is more difficult, or even impossible, to meet the goals that you have set for yourself (they'll set their own goals, of course)?
                              
                              Perhaps you should re-evaluate your incessant harping over people that value family more than money and "Let others have what they please, TEND to YOU!"?

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                                 gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                 -10000000000000000000000000000000000000.  I am IGNORING you. Talking to you is an UTTER EXERCISE IN FUTILITY.   There is no such thing as greed.  Greed is a word which less successful people use to describe highly successful people who want SOMETHING out of life!  Don't hate the game, wilderness.  Either you are in the game or out.  If you are out of the game, fine but DON'T HATE my man.

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                                    wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                    LOL  Don't like actual definitions, eh?

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                                       gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                       Don't you know that definitions are subjective analysis.  I have BETTER things to do than to discuss things w/you.  GOOD DAY!

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                                          wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                          Hmm.  If a definition common to everyone is "subjective", what is it when you make your own definitions?  Is that then "objective" because, like your personal goals in life, it should apply to everyone even if it doesn't?

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                                             gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                             Wouldn't it be nice, if there were more ambitious people in the world? I LOVE AMBITIOUS people! People who have high educational & socioeconomic goals. There would be LESS POVERTY, LESS WELFARE...…..American society would be more cultivated.  There would be high quality neighborhoods, no slums.  There would be less taxes spent on social programs because people would have a SOCIOECONOMIC COMFORTABLE lifestyle, not a STRUGGLING one.  Yes if more people were socioeconomically affluent, America & the world would be a MUCH BETTER place.  So glad you brought the subject up, my dear wilderness.  I will get you thinking like me in NO TIME!  I am loving this(demonic laughter).   Love having this discourse w/you. 
                                             
                                             

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            Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            So, I guess this is okay as long as they are abiding by the law and not conspiring to seize what is not theirs.

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               gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               EXACTLY……..

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                  Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  I said: "Those who have power end up taking advantage of others, while caring NOTHING about them."
                  
                  There are people with wealth/power that DO CARE about others. Just because they have wealth/power, doesn't mean they are going to abuse it!
                  
                  WOW!

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      gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Who are YOU to judge?   Why are you SO CONCERNED about how other people...…...ARE?  As long as they aren't HARMING others, so what!
      
      

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         gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Instead of worrying about others being shallow, each person ought to do some introspection & see his/her FAULTS.   Each person should look at his/her faults, analyze them, & improve himself/herself.  Don't worry how other people are...…………….. Each person should worry about how H/SHE is!
         
         

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            Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Exactamundo.
            
            I used to be one of those idiots who didn't have it in him to reflect upon his own failings, and instead projected outwards all of those failings onto others.
            
            I mean, this was like yesterday. Well, it's a constant struggle.

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      Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sure this is very sad for you. You don't get to decide what other people have, and what is acceptable. You are not God. You're just a person feeling some immature feels. Maybe it is you who is shallow?
      
      If everyone you don't like is shallow, then you MUST be superior to them. But you aren't superior, you just want to think that you are, and you posted in this forum looking for folks to buffer that idea up for you. I decline.

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         gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         +1000000000000000.  Wesman, DON'T you detect ENVY here.   I smell ENVY.   As I have stated, who cares what others have & acquire.  If they worked for it, they can attain as much as they want.   People should make as much money as they want & live the lifestyle they choose.   OP has a SEVERE case of THE GREEN, don't you think?   OP always does this to get attention.  OP feels that everyone should live the same lifestyle..  OP feels that NO ONE should be wealthy.
         
         Wesman, we have TWO like this in this forum.  They came from THE SAME CLOTH...…..

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            Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            I'm 44 years old and, sadly, feel like my mind is half asleep. I'm only really starting to be able to see into the motivations for why other people say and do whatever it is they do.
            
            I'm the worst Christian on Earth, however, I am one. Covetousness is a killer, but the thing is, we aren't warned to not covet because the thing is a sin itself, but because it causes us harm. Harming ourselves is what is bad. And sometimes people are so full of self harm they express it by harming others.
            
            Every once in a while I get some insight into my own behaviors. I don't understand a lot of the things I do, or what the heck is driving me to do those things.
            
            Maybe someday I'll know. I always preach against communism and socialism. The state wastes so much money, and to put them in charge of more of it would be horrific for efficiency - but the people constantly busying themselves with the greed they assume those with more wealth than them have, is amazing. They don't see it. They refuse to see it. They are the greedy ones. They are dying of covetousness. It is destroying their ability to enjoy themselves.
            
            Well, it is a very human condition.

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   Live to Learnposted 6 years ago

   Insecurity and fear.

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      lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      fear of what?

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         Live to Learnposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         You'd have to delve into the psyche of the individual.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Indolence. Arogance. Ignorance. Lack of empathy. Excessive egotism.
   
   Q.  What is the cure?
   A.  I cannot answer as I do not (no longer) have the answers to others' problems.

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   gmwilliamsposted 6 years ago

   GREED is a word which some people use to disparage the wealthy & those who have more than they do.  There are people who are happy w/a modicum of things while there are others who are happy w/a lot of things.  Well, greed is a descriptive analysis used by some who have little because they are SUBCONSCIOUSLY ENVIOUS of those who have a LOT.  There are some who DON'T want others to have MORE THAN THEY DO.  These people want others to have the same minimum amount of things that THEY DO.   Who cares what OTHERS have?  It is really NOYB.  Tend to what you have, DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS HAVE!
   

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   okay, so there is no such thing as greed.
   what a word.

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      gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      People have DIFFERENT standards of living.  There are some who are happy w/little to nothing while there are those who want a LOT.  Nothing's wrong w/that.  It is good to have...………….A LOT.   FANTASTIC!

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         It is a fact of life that some, (the stronger) take advantage of others (the weaker.)
         To not care about others is shallow. Greed comes along with shallowness when one cares ONLY about oneself. "I must get more than anyone else!" That is greed. Charles Dickens pointed that out. Remember poor old Mr. Scrooge?
         Dickens' solution was to show him the realities involved in his narrow frame of mind.
         
         
         What were the realities?

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Shallowness comes with no interest in life or others. No motivation toward making others happy.
   For instance, in the early days of America people helped one another. A log cabin could be built in one day with families from miles around joining in to help. The men put the precut logs in place, (the owner of the land cut his own logs) while the women prepared a feast to share afterwards.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Maybe people are shallow because life is getting more and more boring. We have everything we need. Everything except the need to help one another.
   
   Need is minimal, these days.
   ... or is it?
   
   There's that song: "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world."

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Even so, balance is required. The freedom that comes from solitude cannot be overlooked.
   
   Maybe people do not have true solitude, what with the easy access to social media, screen technologies / games.
   
   Kids are entertained and occupied from without every second of the day and never have a chance find themselves.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

   Also, many people are not shallow at all!!!!
   
   They are the ones who are still normal.
   ... and they are the majority, I believe.

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    gmwilliamsposted 6 years ago

    People aren't really shallow.  They have standards.  There is nothing wrong w/having standards.  People who KNOW what they want in life are often judged harshly by the envious, negaters, & most of all, HATERS.   Haters are mired in a negative consciousness & only love others who are similarly mired in this negativity.  Haters don't want others to do better than they.  Haters are somehow threatened by those who do...…...BETTER.  Haters have a VERY LIMITED, POVERTY consciousness.  Haters are to be...…….AVOIDED ENTIRELY...…...
    
    
    
    
    
    Remember that ENVY is TOXIC & a WASTE of ENERGY-the energy that could be better used to IMPROVE oneself.   
    

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    Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

    I suspect we are all still recovering from our childhoods where our needs were not known and our wills were shut down. Our natural love of life/nature and family was replaced with desire for ever more entertainments and things, things and more things. Why? Because thats what we were given.
    What did you want, instead, at say, age 14?
    I wanted know how to paint in oils. I wanted to write plays and puppet shows and have people act them out. I wanted to learn more about God! I also loved archeology and the idea of finding fossils.
    
    I know a child of 7 who can form any dinosaur out of clay. If you tell him which one to make, he can make it. I know a man who worked for Boeing and US Missile Defense. He was always fascinated by mechanics, air travel and space travel as a child. These children's wills were not shut down. Their interests were facilitated by patient, observant adults who provided books and materials suited for their interests.
    Its not rocket science!
    ... and its never too late to facilitate our own interests. "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we can all be as happy as kings." said Walt Whitman.
    
    https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/son … -ii-vi-lii

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    Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years ago

    How can we keep the government caring about the people?
    
    Read the The Federalist Papers which explain the US Constitution!
    
    Vote for honest, non-career politicians who will resist bribes and backroom deals or take advantage of loopholes for their own financial advantage.
    
    Vote out the politicans who don't care about, or loose their concern for, their constituents and the law-abiding tax-paying citizens!
    
    Don't let the government be rapacious!

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       gmwilliamsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       The government isn't about to care about the people.  The people have to learn to TAKE CARE of themselves.  The people must learn responsibility, accountability, & learn to depend upon themselves, not the government.  There is opportunity for those who TAKE & MAKE the opportunity.  The government isn't our mother & father although some people believe such!

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          Kathryn L Hillposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          The people in the government should work for those who voted them in.
          Thats why those who voted them in should not be the ones who advocate seizing what is not theirs from others.
          
          but guess what ...  more and more, they are!

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    ahorsebackposted 6 years ago

    Those elected to office more and more reflect the values of the  growing portion of Americans , selfish , entitled , shallow , narrow visioned ,  Those who's moral construct is based primarily on "self".
    
    Why are you people surprised ?

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