A literal description of my state of mind
A literal description of my state of mind
What's in it for me?
It's a crass way of defining the motivations of man. All mankind. Every last one. Even people like Mother Theresa operate from the same basic principles, although one might put it more delicately.
Helping someone 'from the goodness in your heart' means you do it because it makes you feel good inside, or it satisfies your code of ethics. Or maybe you do it because God tells you to, in which case your 'reward' is spiritual, but it is there. Even self-sacrifice boils down to the same base motivations.
Nobody does anything unless their self-interested needs are met somehow.
(this is what passes for rigorous thought in my fluffy little world, now where's my puppy...)
Posted by Ted at May 17, 2004 05:06 AM | TrackBackAmen. I've been making this argument to people for quite awhile now. It's hard for them to understand that people may value their conscience or principles in exactly the same way they value money/property/time, etc.
It has important implications for philosophy and government, too.
Posted by: Jon Henke at May 17, 2004 06:27 AM