Do you think pursuing self-fulfillment is selfish?

1. 61

   Darrke Thoughtsposted 14 years ago

   Do you think pursuing self-fulfillment is selfish?
   
   I know sometimes pursuing our self-actualization means telling others "no", and they are likely to think we are being selfish. But is it more selfish to NOT try to be your best self and so maybe not create a great work or art, a new invention, bring about world peace, etc?

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2. 61

   MickSposted 14 years ago

   'To thine own self be true'
   Willy boy if my memory serves me well.

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3. 83

   ExpandYourMindposted 14 years ago

   I believe working on self actualization is as important as helping others -- as you point out, sometimes pushing oneselves toward achieving -- for example, the researcher who discovers the cure for cancer-- is able to foster a better world for themselves and themselves.

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4. 74

   CoauthorUposted 14 years ago

   I think it is a little selfish, but it becomes the definition of its darker meaning when the effort to pursue self-fulfillment means throwing someone else under the bus.

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5. 60

   50 Caliberposted 14 years ago

   Nope, I do not! there will be no regrets as that shovel of dirt is thrown in my face. God gave me one life to live, and I share it in telling tales about it, but mostly staying to myself and asking my running partners, "did you see that?" They just bark for a piece of the jerky I'm chewing and I just laugh and move with my game of solitaire. If I forget my own birthday it's cool if I forget anyone elses. I get tied up in the moment I'm living in and pretty much go with the flow that makes me happy and live in the confines of the 10 commandments and the red letters in a version that does that of the recorded teachings of Christ. Sometimes I mess up, but I can be forgiven my bill has been paid in full.
   Live your life, be kind, respectful of others as they live theirs and fulfill your life in a way that you like and is a close to sin free as you are able.
   Die smiling knowing the next time it will be forever. God Bless, peace and love, 50

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6. 71

   onegoodwomanposted 14 years ago

   Self fulfillment should be achieved in life.
   
   When we begin sacrificing others that we are responsible to and for, it becomes selfish.

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7. 0

   Butch Newsposted 14 years ago

   No.  It's your life so live it.  You won't get a second chance and the clock is ticking down, not up.  Don't be afraid to say no.  To do otherwise is co-dependency in action.  Not good.  Shine while you're here and don't pay any attention to idiots.

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8. 60

   Apostle Jackposted 14 years ago

   You first have to be happy with your decisions in life in order to be happy with yourself.

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9. 60

   Myra Tylorposted 14 years ago

   Frankly speaking, i do not thing pursuing the self-fulfillment is selfish. Instead, I think this is a demonstration of aspirant and self-value. And also we can make contribution to the society through self-fulfillment.

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10. 60

    MelaniePhillibertposted 14 years ago

    I think when we are truly "self-fulfilled" we are happier and as a result are a better person to and for those closest to us. The anguish of wondering what we 'could have been" no longer clouds our emotions.

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11. 0

    surlyoldcatposted 14 years ago

    Absolutely not! Being open about working toward making yourself better by fulfilling your dreams is part of nature, and a part of our economy, when you look at it in a materialistic sense. We need people to dream.
    What IS selfish are these jerkweeds that live vicariously through their kids, then it is extremely selfish and self-serving. If there weren't parents like this, then maybe we wouldn't have people like Britney Spears, Linday Lohan, and those other puke celebrities polluting our news with idiot hijinks.

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12. 85

    gmwilliamsposted 14 years ago

    No way! All intelligent people are supposed to be self-actualized and to pursue their own fulfillment.  People who put themselves first are the happiest and other people are likely to respect them more than altruistic martyrs who put others first only to be disrespected and taken advantage of.  People clearly do not respect martyrs and deem them to be fools.   People respect selfish people more because they have a high regard for themselves.
    
    I strongly believe that family size is very influential in the belief of pursuing self-fulfillment.  People from small families believe that pursuing self-fulfillment is necessary and normal and a part of human development. People from small families have a very high regard of self whereas people from large families tend to be "lost in the shuffle" and have little sense of self.  The oldest in a large family, especially daughters, are indoctrinated and taught to be martyrs and self-abnegating.  They tend to place themselves last and believe that placing themselves first is wrong.  As a result, many people from large families find self-fulfillment as an anethema.
    
    People from large families clearly do not have a strong sense of individualization and have a group think mentality.   People from small famiilies are more likely to pursue avenues of self-development and self-fulfillment than do people from large families.   People from small families have a healthier sense of self whereas people from large families are taught to have a poor and diminished sense of self.

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13. 70

    vveaseyposted 12 years ago

    No it's not selfish to pursue self-fulfillment!
    Because if you don't fulfill yourself, you hurt your self and will never really be  yourself and may end up being someone else.

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14. 88

    Peggasuseposted 11 years ago

    I can't see anything selfish about trying to make yourself happy in this life.  Of course it depends are how you're doing to accomplish that. If you're taking drugs and getting drunk every night, then I can tell you right now, it's going to end badly.
    But that kind of behavior is just an escape anyway, from something you can't face.
    
    Doing things that make you happy should be every person's goal in life.  Be yourself, go out into the world and do what you feel is best.  Don't worry about what anyone else says.
    
    The worst that can happen is that you'll be wrong, and you'll just have to start over with another idea.  It doesn't matter.  Do what you're passionate about...

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