cjac,
<< ...the primal tug-of-war between self-interest and altruism. >>
Inextricably linked, and yet hopelessly at odds. A profound and necessary tension, it would seem, much like that of electron vs. proton. And, similarly, built-in.
<< MY self-interest is secured in proportion to YOUR altruism. >>
Not at all necessarily, though frequently the case. Self-interest can be pursued and secured on a deserted island. But when your self interest collides with my self interest, you will tend to try to dominate to pursue your interests, and so will I---a result of the perception that my self-interest is secured to the extent that yours is not. And because of this perception, one tends to occur at the apparent expense of the other.
But taking a broader view, I would submit that in the final analysis, particularly when there is a conflict of self-interests, that both are interdependent, regardless of your perception or mine (which tend to be unknowingly clouded by our own intrinsic conflict of interest, ironically). That is, your best interests are ultimately served by considering mine, and vice-versa.
And this too seems built into the system, and thus unavoidable.
JMVHO.............YMMV
Walkingshadow |
