by Nanette Piotrowski

Created on: July 24, 2011   Last Updated: July 25, 2011

Selfish may not be a strong enough word. Cut-throat, greedy, self-absorbed; maybe even survivalist-mode. Times have changed and sharing or even caring about our fellow man has fallen by the wayside. No longer do we care about our neighbors, fellow co-workers and in many cases, even our own families.

What I have is mine and in some cases, what you have is mine. It's all about 'things' and who can possess the most and how do I go about getting them. Feelings, manners and respect are devoid in today's society. When did 'things' become more important than people? Or is it that we just don't care anymore.

'Things' do not define humanity. Now there's a misnomer for you: Humanity; the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence; goodwill. Those words define our past.

Scenarios of Selfish

If you are on a cruise ship and it sinks; if you are fortunate to be allowed on a lifeboat, don't be surprised if someone else on board that managed to grab a bag of potato chips is not going to share them with you or anyone else.

A catastrophe strikes and your neighbor has looted a grocery store. Don't think for a moment that they are going to share their booty with you.

Your car breaks down at the side of the road and it's pouring down rain. You better start walking because nobody is going to stop and help.

It's you and your wife's anniversary so you call several family members to see if they will babysit the kids so you can have a special night out; everyone seems to be busy.

You and a co-worker are vying for the same opening spot in the company that would be more money and prestige. Don't be surprised if that person doesn't bad-mouth you to the powers that be or start a viscous rumor about you just so they can get the position.

Your child, who is generally shy, comes to you and says they would like to try out for the baseball team at school. You want a new flat-screen TV. Knowing that your child 'probably' won't make it and of course it costs so much for uniforms, etc., you opt for the TV.

These scenarios may sound outlandish and you might think that they couldn't happen but they probably do. Our society has become all about 'me, me, me' and in the final analysis, when there is only you left, being selfish won't mean very much.

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