That is how morality controls selfishness. It may not erase it but it controls it for the greater good.Selfishness is a hard-wired quality that comes from our lesser evolved natures. It comes from our drive to survive. When we are hungry and we see food, if we are selfish we grab it all for ourselves. We might hit somebody away, or even steal it from them. All this is OK in nature, as you can see from the behavior of the coyotes and jackals.
But even coyotes and jackals have moral behaviors that are enforced for the health of the pack. The Alpha male gets first choice of the kill or what gets stolen. The Omega female gets the last choice. This all seems so cruel and selfish but it has evolved for the efficient management of the pack and its overall survival. Each animal knows exactly what is permitted of him or her and there are severe consequences if they are clueless.
In human society, morality, is defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. We teach this behavior to our children so we can all get along and live together comfortably. You might say that morality enables society to run effectively and ensures the individual’s survival in the long run.
One of the most fundamental principles of morality is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you treat people in an open-hearted and giving way, they will be more inclined to show love to you too. This makes for a happy experience for everyone involved.
If you want to grab up all the toys for yourself and steal from others, most societies don’t condone it. They will even punish it. So people who selfishly try to snatch everything for themselves are put in check by their family, their society, and the world at large. That is how morality controls selfishness. It may not erase it but it controls it for the greater good.
But even coyotes and jackals have moral behaviors that are enforced for the health of the pack. The Alpha male gets first choice of the kill or what gets stolen. The Omega female gets the last choice. This all seems so cruel and selfish but it has evolved for the efficient management of the pack and its overall survival. Each animal knows exactly what is permitted of him or her and there are severe consequences if they are clueless.
In human society, morality, is defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. We teach this behavior to our children so we can all get along and live together comfortably. You might say that morality enables society to run effectively and ensures the individual’s survival in the long run.
One of the most fundamental principles of morality is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If you treat people in an open-hearted and giving way, they will be more inclined to show love to you too. This makes for a happy experience for everyone involved.
If you want to grab up all the toys for yourself and steal from others, most societies don’t condone it. They will even punish it. So people who selfishly try to snatch everything for themselves are put in check by their family, their society, and the world at large. That is how morality controls selfishness. It may not erase it but it controls it for the greater good.
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