THIS I BELIEVE

In so many instances people are quick to perform selfless actions. No matter how grand or small these actions may be, we consider our self to be giving and chose to say the word selfish is not in our vocabulary. Many constantly do for others without thought of gaining something in return. In every aspect of the choice we make no matter how selfless they may seem, in the end it is the opposite. No matter what actions we may commit we are ultimately rewarded in the end and are aware of it to a certain extent. A selfless act truly does not exist, this I believe.
For instance, community service may be argued as an act of selfless doings. Those who chose to participate in these giving services are said to do them for others and do not gain something in return. These acts may not seem selfish; yet, when you analyze the situation it’s actually is. When we give back to the community we do it because it makes us happy. We feel a comely sensation for helping others. Since we choose to give back to our community because it gives us delight, how can it be categorized as a selfless act? We are gaining something from the actions we chose to commit. However small and insignificant it may seem to us, we participate in community service to gain happiness for our self. Case in point, when a parent chooses to throw their child a birthday party, it is assumed their reason is for their child’s pleasure. Therefore, this is an act of selflessness because the parent’s actions are for someone else’s bliss. Although I agree with this scenario, there is more to it. As a parent you strive to see your children happy. When you know you are the reason your child holds that wide, giggly smile do you not feel a warming, pleasant sensation. Buying your children gifts or having a party in their honor is for the benefits of the child’s as well as yourself. Making the children happy makes the parents blissful; therefore, you do things to put a smile on their faces. In the end does the parent not gain something out of the situation? Although we may not consciously act selfishly, we ultimately are doing just that. It is a natural feeling or act to want/need to make our self feel good. For some giving back to their community does the trick. Others simply knowing you made someone’s day special is all you need. I believe a selfless act does not exist, yet our motives or intension may have meant to be selfless. Unfortunately we all commit selfish acts some consciously others unconsciously. Nonetheless it’s all good.