Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

(Haven't looked at the OP, yet.)

I think something that is too often missed is that for some if not all the motivation is not simply a "selfless" altruism. True, helping others brings a deep satisfaction. But it also is an individual step in creating the kind of world we want to inhabit. One of cooperation, to mutual benefit and enjoyment.

I think some people get hung up on the term "selfless". For me, it's not selfless -- it's the essence of self. A self that seeks to be connected with and of use to other people. (And perhaps hopes a bit, but doesn't specifically expect on a case by case basis, for the same in return.)

P,S. Looked at the link, but it's Flash. So, not viewing it, for now.



Excellent point - I completely agree. (Interesting choice of HN name by the way, "no needs".)

I often tell people the following:

The world only works if you think of others first, and yourself second.

If everyone thought of your needs, they'd be met by now. If you only think about your needs, you have long road ahead of you.


I apologize in advance for being a pedant but since you do say you find it interesting, "pas besoin" is used in the context of [subject] don't/doesn't need [noun] rather than in the sense of having "no needs" which would be written "pas de besoin".


This comment is gold. As one of my rabbis put it, the key to life is not nullification of Self, but rather the expansion of Self to include those around you.

EDIT: adding missing "not".




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: