Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First

I am self centered and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.  In fact, I think its the most authentic way to be.  Nobody will ever care about you like you can.  I remember when I was a kid my dad said something along the lines, “if everyone voted with their best interest in mind, the majority of people would be happy with the results.”  That presumes that politicians actually do what they say they will, and that elections are honest, which is a story for another time.  And as I get older I see that those that care about others and put others first the most, are the most unhappy.

An image comes to mind of a progressive liberal who eats factory food and wears plastic to avoid any negative impact on animals while being pro abortion.  What’s better for the environment, a grassy field that’s home to thousands of creatures of all sizes?  Or clearing the field to build a factory that processes the products from a toxic mono crop.  Raising an animal in its natural ecosystem, being appreciative of its life and honoring its sacrifice by taking full advantage of its body?  Eating the meat, the organs.  Utilizing its tendons.  Making clothes from it’s leather that will last beyond your lifetime.  Or drilling oil, spilling it all over the place and processing it to make plastic that’s actually harmful to you, to make and to wear?

When you’re doing something with the purpose to benefit someone else, your heart is probably not totally in it.  I believe there are occasions where someone can whole heatedly help another, but it is rare  Most attempts at altruism are half hearted and probably egotistical and performative.  “Look at me, appreciate how much I help other people and how much I do for other people.”  Did they even ask for your help?  Is your helping actually making them better or worse off?  Are you helping because you just feel guilty?  Are they accepting your help only because they feel guilty turning you down?

Even if you truly wanted to help others, the most effective way for that to happen if your own house is in order. Like when the plane crashes and you’re all about to die, they still tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first before little Timmy’s.

There’s some expression about telling others about your good deed, negating the good deed.  The deed is the same, however it just reveals a potential self serving motivation.

My take, is that if everyone did what was best for themselves and acted in their own interest, each person would be happier and as a result society collectively would be happier.  When you’re focused on doing or being what you want to do or be, your intentions are pure and you care less what other people are doing or thinking.  However, this requires being in tune with yourself.  I don’t think anyone’s true goal or desire is to maim or take advantage of anyone else.

I think that might be what a “flow state” is.  You’re so immersed in doing what you want, that you give fuck all about any outside distraction.  This is when you will produce your best work.

I don’t really feel like giving any examples.  OK here’s a lazy one.  I guess a generic version is that if I make a product with the intention of it being for myself, I’ll make it just how it needs to be and I wouldn’t cut corners.  If I make a product for you that has no use to me, I won’t care as much, won’t give it the attention required to make the best whatever ever.

But the more experience I get, the more I find that truth is in paradoxes.  And what a paradox it is that the more you help yourself, the more others actually benefit. Ultimately, I think more people should focus on themselves, and less on the external. Fight me in the comments.

This meme isn’t perfect for this article, but I think it’s hilarious. Maybe having an opinion on the current thing isn’t as important as, for example, taking care of yourself.