Sunday, February 24, 2008

Question

If you're making someone happy because their happiness makes you happy, is that selfish?

6 comments:

Robin said...

Selfishly unselfish.

The Absurdist said...

nope. You know, Poppy asked the same thing on her blog (basically) the other day. That is not selfish. Getting happiness out of helping others is the nice side effect of doing good in the world.

You always have to look at the ultimate outcome, since it's about the other person and not you. Did they become a better person with your help? That's all the world wants from us. To help others. Anything that comes of that outside of scope is irrelevant. That's why it's okay to feel good when helping others feel happy.

Unless you are stifling yourself, or hurting yourself...

Gwenhwyfar said...

Thanks. I think that helps.

Dalton Baker said...

The only way it would be selfish is if you are only helping others because you think you have something to gain. Doing things to make others happy because you enjoy there happiness, is one of the only truly wonderful things left in life.

The Ferryman said...

It is not selfish at all. So start making me happy.

Gwenhwyfar said...

I keep telling you to come visit. I'll make you very happy.