| The basic goal of most individuals is to attain happiness in life; to find contentment and meaning. This being the case, it seems that the bane of human existence is, ultimately, the intrinsic selfishness which drives every person. From the womb one emerges preoccupied with self-preservation and immediate gratification. Babies cry at will demanding attention and sustenance, and only during the infantile period are one’s raw id impulses entertained and indulged so attentively by others. During early childhood this base egocentrism is tempered and refined, mostly out of necessity, and gradually attains higher sophistication through conflict with the demands, expectations, and approval of parents, peers, and larger society, etc. Children are expected to control bowel movements, to refrain from public tantrums, and to go to bed when commanded. Through such conditioning one becomes aware of oneself and others, typically attaining a maturity in which one’s latent and chronic selfishness |
