Been thinking on this for awhile now. I think after the last few years I’ve just become totally jaded to the world and exhausting energy engaging in issues where it seems like nothing is really progressing and ultimately just leads to a huge waste of time. I’ve basically come to the realization that I’m much happier if I focus on my immediate circle of problems, people, etc and kind of just put all the other stuff on the back burner. Not to say I don’t care or have opinions one way or another, but I feel like I’ve rationalized my philosophy by just trying to be a good person and continuing to grow. Anyone else on this wave or have thoughts about how it is/isn’t selfish?

I mean. the world is trash but you are still contributing to it. why not own it?

I agree but just as small as my footprint is I think if I focus on my own issues while also trying to pay it forward on a macro level as much as I can based on my interactions, mentality, etc I justify it to myself

Lmao that’s not selfish at all

People will tell you you’re wrong for this but you’re not. The day to day problems and stress I feel takes up majority of my mental space and energy, I really can’t be assed to care about things that aren’t directly affecting me because I have too much that already is.

that selfish is bad is a psyop anyway

Prioritizing your own peace >

Attention, hardships, conflicts & drama is everywhere man, there’s no reason to actively seek those things because they will come to you inevitably if you’re contributing to society regardless. Selfishness in my eyes is thinking you can control it all

It’s “self-ish” but in this way a good thing, ignore the kind of busybody who demands that you instrumentalize yourself for THEIR desired “issue” (which is selfish of them and cloaked in fake selflessness, the worst kind of selfishness)

Sounds like just living your life like anybody else

I couldn't disagree more with every post in here so far. But I'm also too lazy to type, so sure, whatever

That’s how I live and it’s fantastic. Couldn’t imagine being riled up by other peoples problems, problems on the other side of the world, pointless bullshit that has nothing to do with me.

I really only truly care about what’s happening in my immediate surroundings. Only care about what directly affects me or my family. Other than that I’m just chillin or debating for fun.

i’m going to take a guess and say you disagree with living in your own bubble and we should work forming better communities?

i aint reading all that op

by definition it is selfish.

what you're meaning to ask is, is it inherently a bad thing

self-ish

People get this idea that it's easy to change the world when it's very much not. You can only change things on a smaller scale around you. It's when everyone changes things around them that we see real change manifest.

Sure, that

But it's also completely ignorant and aloof to believe that things outside of your own immediate bubble don't effect you greatly. Especially if you happen to be American I'd go so far as to say it's irresponsible to not at the very least attempt to he educated.

I guess the thing is, if you know all of the ways that the systems we are ensnared in control and corrupt and exploit us, and you try to rectify things, even if just for your own benefit, and find yourself unable — are you really better off than if you were just oblivious and ignorant as to the causes of your struggles

i see what you’re saying but i think op more or less talking about his personal life, i agree you need to be educated on things happening in the world especially in america or if you’re privileged enough to have internet in any first world country

Yes

Yes you are. Through education and understanding, character and morals on a micro level will change as well, causing selflessness that will ultimately lead to a more rewarding life (which is ironic considering being selfish and worrying about one's own bubble is a less rewarding life).

So as long as your humane in your actions to a decent degree, likely you're fine. You aren't superman or superwoman, so if you're good to the people in your circle and yourself you should be fine in the biggest scheme. The meaning of life is the one you're living and the moments that you inhabit, to me.

You can "maximize" it sure and be "better", but it's better to accept it otherwise it'll be gone in a blink.

The knowledge is relative and doesn't matter the emotion and the meanings we put on the emotion of "being in the know" matter more to people than the reality itself.

Deep down inside your neighbor knows it's all s*** as well, but the emotion that comes from existential panic is too deep. Holding onto that hope and trying to change things realistically is pointless, especially if you really really know.

Coming to grips with that is hard man.

pick up a little taoist and stoic philosophy and you'll see this is more or less 'the way'

your thoughts and actions are the only things you actually have complete control over. it doesnt make rational sense to focus on anything else (big can of worms there). this isnt to say you should become a bateman tier narcissist or w/e, but putting yourself first is certainly not a bad thing to do

cant really help others effectively if you're overextended and bursting at the seams

Yep I'm a taoist and it's pretty much the only philsophy/religion that helps me cope.

Kind of especially if you have family around