Is everyone just becoming more selfish these days?

Not sure where I picked this up, but it’s a killer metaphor for how society works today—even if it feels like an old fable from somewhere out East.

Basically, some higher power decides that when you pass away, you head to a place that looks like a dining room filled with every delicious meal imaginable. The rule is simple: once you've eaten, you get to indulge in whatever your heart desires next—whether that's just lounging around, chasing romance, or whatever else—and the cycle just repeats every day. It doesn't matter if you were a saint or a sinner; everyone goes to the same place. The only catch? You have to eat using chopsticks that are over six feet long.

Selfish people who end up there can never actually enjoy anything. Their greed drives them to try and grab as much food as possible, but they’ll never succeed because those massive chopsticks make it impossible to grab a bite. On the flip side, generous people will just feed one another and live better than they ever did on Earth.

What’s your take on the people who only care about themselves?

I heard this specific version was used to describe the souls stuck in Hell.

It’s entirely possible the issue stems from having smaller penises.

mistyscout2 said:It’s entirely possible the issue stems from having smaller penises.

A lot of people justify that whole lifestyle by saying, "YOLO," right?
Not everyone is lacking in the equipment department—trust me. 😉 I honestly think selfishness is just one of those things that's baked into everyone's DNA at this point.

I honestly can't believe they're trying to push this whole universal category thing.
I mean, obviously, it’s not like everyone is walking around with tiny equipment. And let's be real, not everyone is out there being selfish, either.

mistyscout2 said:I honestly can't believe they're trying to push this whole universal category thing.
I mean, obviously, it’s not like everyone is walking around with tiny equipment. And let's be real, not everyone is out there being selfish, either.

Let's be real, everyone’s been a little selfish at some point in their life.

ambersailor85 said:Let's be real, everyone’s been a little selfish at some point in their life.

It’s fine if it only happens once—as long as it doesn't become a habit or start defining who you are...

Sam Hayes said:It’s fine if it only happens once—as long as it doesn't become a habit or start defining who you are...

That "one-off" thing is just a line, really—you could easily pull this move a thousand times over. 😁

ambersailor85 said:That "one-off" thing is just a line, really—you could easily pull this move a thousand times over. 😁

Well, damn...
it sounds like 😁there are way too many selfish people among us; I'm starting to get the feeling we might actually be in the minority here. 😁

Sam Hayes said:Well, damn...
it sounds like 😁there are way too many selfish people among us; I'm starting to get the feeling we might actually be in the minority here. 😁

I was thinking about what I wrote earlier—honestly, it feels like selfishness is just this universal thing that everyone deals with. 🤣 It's kind of like tracking global alcohol consumption or the total number of cyclists out there—just one of those massive, sweeping stats.

ambersailor85 said:Not sure where I picked this up, but it’s a killer metaphor for how society works today—even if it feels like an old fable from somewhere out East.

Basically, some higher power decides that when you pass away, you head to a place that looks like a dining room filled with every delicious meal imaginable. The rule is simple: once you've eaten, you get to indulge in whatever your heart desires next—whether that's just lounging around, chasing romance, or whatever else—and the cycle just repeats every day. It doesn't matter if you were a saint or a sinner; everyone goes to the same place. The only catch? You have to eat using chopsticks that are over six feet long.

Selfish people who end up there can never actually enjoy anything. Their greed drives them to try and grab as much food as possible, but they’ll never succeed because those massive chopsticks make it impossible to grab a bite. On the flip side, generous people will just feed one another and live better than they ever did on Earth.

What’s your take on the people who only care about themselves?

I heard this specific version was used to describe the souls stuck in Hell.

I don't think they're quite that dimwitted🤷 they'll realize pretty quickly that it's smarter to grab a bite and move on to the next party. You have to watch your figure, you know? Don't linger too long in one spot or things start looking suspicious.
Besides, it's easy enough to find a partner in crime to help each other out—you know, that whole "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" thing... then they head off to their next craving, either working together or just trading favors.🙏

You've got a point there; it's a perfect snapshot of how society works today. The "generous" types feed off each other for a good time... right up until someone starts snitching.🙄
Meanwhile, the little selfish types are left starving.😢

It's funny how we can look at the exact same behavior and see it so differently.

Sandra Parker3 said:I don't think they're quite that dimwitted🤷 they'll realize pretty quickly that it's smarter to grab a bite and move on to the next party. You have to watch your figure, you know? Don't linger too long in one spot or things start looking suspicious.
Besides, it's easy enough to find a partner in crime to help each other out—you know, that whole "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" thing... then they head off to their next craving, either working together or just trading favors.🙏

You've got a point there; it's a perfect snapshot of how society works today. The "generous" types feed off each other for a good time... right up until someone starts snitching.🙄
Meanwhile, the little selfish types are left starving.😢

It's funny how we can look at the exact same behavior and see it so differently.

Maybe it's some kind of punishment then—like they physically can't feed themselves.
But clearly, that new info isn't sinking in, because people don't eat with their hands, they use their heads. It's probably like being blind—they just don't see the obstacles in front of them.

True, but when someone is selfish and greedy, once they realize there's nothing left to take from you, they aren't gonna stick around to help.🙂

If Person A has a spoonful of food and Person B has none, Person A isn't exactly thinking, "Hey, let me give this to them, maybe they'll share their spoon later."

So basically, it comes down to a lack of trust, suspicion, and greed.

If you've got Person A who's broke and Person B who's loaded, Person B isn't gonna hand anything over if they're just selfish, greedy, and tight-fisted.🤷

ambersailor85 said:Maybe it's some kind of punishment then—like they physically can't feed themselves.
But clearly, that new info isn't sinking in, because people don't eat with their hands, they use their heads. It's probably like being blind—they just don't see the obstacles in front of them.

True, but when someone is selfish and greedy, once they realize there's nothing left to take from you, they aren't gonna stick around to help.🙂

If Person A has a spoonful of food and Person B has none, Person A isn't exactly thinking, "Hey, let me give this to them, maybe they'll share their spoon later."

So basically, it comes down to a lack of trust, suspicion, and greed.

If you've got Person A who's broke and Person B who's loaded, Person B isn't gonna hand anything over if they're just selfish, greedy, and tight-fisted.🤷

But wait—you’ve thrown in a whole bunch of concepts there that might be linked to selfishness, or they might not be. They aren't always one and the same!
Greed and stinginess don't necessarily have to be tethered to egoism; in fact, they can actually be complete opposites.
Think of them as an antidote to pure selfishness.
The old formula of "I help you without expecting a reward"... does that even hold up in today's world? I sometimes wonder if that kind of true altruism is simply dead and gone.
Of course, I could be wrong. After all, the big picture is much larger than just looking at the tip of the iceberg, right?
My own improvement is really just the prerequisite for achieving all those virtues I'd love to share with you all.
Ha! Well played, truly... but isn't it still just the foundation of selfishness? Hypocrisy... duplicity... it all circles back.

ambersailor85 said:Maybe it's some kind of punishment then—like they physically can't feed themselves.
But clearly, that new info isn't sinking in, because people don't eat with their hands, they use their heads. It's probably like being blind—they just don't see the obstacles in front of them.

True, but when someone is selfish and greedy, once they realize there's nothing left to take from you, they aren't gonna stick around to help.🙂

If Person A has a spoonful of food and Person B has none, Person A isn't exactly thinking, "Hey, let me give this to them, maybe they'll share their spoon later."

So basically, it comes down to a lack of trust, suspicion, and greed.

If you've got Person A who's broke and Person B who's loaded, Person B isn't gonna hand anything over if they're just selfish, greedy, and tight-fisted.🤷

Look, I'm just saying that being selfish doesn't necessarily mean you're stupid; in fact, quite often it's the exact opposite, as people can be incredibly clever when they're plotting ways to look out for themselves at everyone else's expense—which, if I had to guess, is basically the textbook definition of selfishness.
So, they’re basically assuming there’s going to be some level of interaction or cooperation—maybe even giving a little something up just to score big in the end. Bingo.

Sandra Parker3 said:

Look, when someone is just fundamentally selfish and greedy, the second they realize you aren't useful to them anymore, they’re going to stop showing you any kind of loyalty. 🙂

I mean, it can't be right, but honestly, I have no clue how that even fits into the whole story.

Sandra Parker3

If Person A is holding a spoon full of food and Person B has nothing, you can bet your life Person A isn't thinking, "Hey, I'll share this with them, and then they'll return the favor later." Maybe. I’d rather just eat with my own spoon later.

If he calculates that he’s going to need it, he’ll provide it—he'll just make sure there's a solid "gentleman's agreement" in place to ensure he gets it back. But honestly, he'll pay it back, interest and all, without any of that "maybe" nonsense.

Sandra Parker3

It just comes down to this deep-seated mistrust, greed, and constant suspicion.

It’s all great on paper, but let’s be real: those three will always work together to push their own "greater good" agendas. Criminals are usually the first ones to team up, and you can bet there's plenty of self-interest driving the whole thing.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:But wait—you’ve thrown in a whole bunch of concepts there that might be linked to selfishness, or they might not be. They aren't always one and the same!
Greed and stinginess don't necessarily have to be tethered to egoism; in fact, they can actually be complete opposites.
Think of them as an antidote to pure selfishness.
The old formula of "I help you without expecting a reward"... does that even hold up in today's world? I sometimes wonder if that kind of true altruism is simply dead and gone.
Of course, I could be wrong. After all, the big picture is much larger than just looking at the tip of the iceberg, right?
My own improvement is really just the prerequisite for achieving all those virtues I'd love to share with you all.
Ha! Well played, truly... but isn't it still just the foundation of selfishness? Hypocrisy... duplicity... it all circles back.

Selfishness, if it’s even real, definitely isn't the only bad trait in the book. It's more like a cocktail of nasty qualities. 😁
They say greedy people won't even give up their last slice of cake.
Nowadays, plenty of people help out without getting anything back—working overtime without extra pay, kids doing unpaid internships, people joining the military and fighting for nothing in return. It's not dead; it's very much alive. As long as someone is working hard while pulling in a tiny paycheck, they're essentially an altruist—even if they don't realize it—because they're contributing without a reward. Sometimes they're even denied the chance to expect one. 😁 You see young people volunteering thinking some big corporation might notice them, but most of the time, it leads nowhere. 🙂

In my book, once you've got selfishness, things like stinginess, greed, being two-faced, being rude, jealousy over others' success, and being unscrupulous follow pretty easily. If anyone thinks there's another trait worthy of joining this high-society club, feel free to add it. 😍

Sandra Parker3 said:Look, I'm just saying that being selfish doesn't necessarily mean you're stupid; in fact, quite often it's the exact opposite, as people can be incredibly clever when they're plotting ways to look out for themselves at everyone else's expense—which, if I had to guess, is basically the textbook definition of selfishness.
So, they’re basically assuming there’s going to be some level of interaction or cooperation—maybe even giving a little something up just to score big in the end. Bingo.

Sandra Parker3 said:

Look, when someone is just fundamentally selfish and greedy, the second they realize you aren't useful to them anymore, they’re going to stop showing you any kind of loyalty. 🙂

I mean, it can't be right, but honestly, I have no clue how that even fits into the whole story.

Sandra Parker3

If Person A is holding a spoon full of food and Person B has nothing, you can bet your life Person A isn't thinking, "Hey, I'll share this with them, and then they'll return the favor later." Maybe. I’d rather just eat with my own spoon later.

If he calculates that he’s going to need it, he’ll provide it—he'll just make sure there's a solid "gentleman's agreement" in place to ensure he gets it back. But honestly, he'll pay it back, interest and all, without any of that "maybe" nonsense.

Sandra Parker3

It just comes down to this deep-seated mistrust, greed, and constant suspicion.

It’s all great on paper, but let’s be real: those three will always work together to push their own "greater good" agendas. Criminals are usually the first ones to team up, and you can bet there's plenty of self-interest driving the whole thing.

Selfish people are usually pretty dim—they show their hand way too fast and become obvious almost immediately. 🤣 Being resourceful is different, though; that doesn't have to be selfish. A truly savvy person might actually use their talents to help everyone else out. 😉

Here's the definition of selfishness:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfishness

Selfishness or Narcissus behavior (from the French *égoïsme*; from Greek/Latin *ego* = I) refers to "self-centered conduct." A Narcissus claims more freedom for themselves than they allow for anyone else. The core of selfishness is using double standards and having zero regard for the Golden Rule.
Selfishness is usually used negatively as a synonym for rude or inconsiderate behavior. The term describes chasing personal interests while ignoring what others need and not caring if your actions hurt people. In this context, selfishness is criticized as the direct opposite of altruism and solidarity.
On the flip side, some argue that true altruism can only happen once you've secured your own well-being—kind of like how the first rule of CPR is to make sure you don't get hurt yourself, or like that famous verse: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (e.g., Leo 19:18,34; Mt 22:39).

I guess I have a soft spot for the selfless types😍

They're pretty rare, and honestly, they usually seem to be the smarter ones too🙂

hiddenhawk3 said:I guess I have a soft spot for the selfless types😍

They're pretty rare, and honestly, they usually seem to be the smarter ones too🙂

So, what works out better for you personally: being selfish or being selfless? Assuming nobody else is watching or judging.
In my book, being selfless doesn't automatically make someone a "good" person—it can actually make them pretty naive, to be honest.

ambersailor85 said:So, what works out better for you personally: being selfish or being selfless? Assuming nobody else is watching or judging.
In my book, being selfless doesn't automatically make someone a "good" person—it can actually make them pretty naive, to be honest.

Be selfish when no one is watching, but act selfless when the spotlight is on. We have to consider social perception because that's exactly what defines "what is better for the individual." Every person is also a unique entity capable of finding satisfaction in how society views them.

I assume we're talking about general altruism rather than how we treat our inner circle. If that's the case, in today's world, it feels like selfless equals naive plus foolish. It’s unfortunate. There are far too many people who won't appreciate your kindness and will gladly stab you in the back the moment they need something from you.

ambersailor85 said:So, what works out better for you personally: being selfish or being selfless? Assuming nobody else is watching or judging.
In my book, being selfless doesn't automatically make someone a "good" person—it can actually make them pretty naive, to be honest.

I think being selfish is actually healthier, I guess.🤷

You can't really love someone else if you haven't learned how to love yourself and set boundaries first.🤷

A person can't just keep giving, otherwise they'll probably burn out way too fast.🤷

Michelle Rodriguez said:Be selfish when no one is watching, but act selfless when the spotlight is on. We have to consider social perception because that's exactly what defines "what is better for the individual." Every person is also a unique entity capable of finding satisfaction in how society views them.

I assume we're talking about general altruism rather than how we treat our inner circle. If that's the case, in today's world, it feels like selfless equals naive plus foolish. It’s unfortunate. There are far too many people who won't appreciate your kindness and will gladly stab you in the back the moment they need something from you.

exactly....
It’s easy to play the hero when everyone is watching....
And it's easy to love someone when they're actually attractive and smart🤷