The idea of selflessness that our parents or grandparents cherished seems like a distant memory in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. In the 80s and 90s, lending a hand without expecting anything in return was a core part of human interaction. People genuinely cared for each other’s well-being, and acts of kindness weren’t rare but an everyday occurrence.
However, as we navigate the 20s century, this spirit of selflessness seems to be fading. Our generation is more focused on personal gains, often driven by the belief that one must put themselves first. Helping others has increasingly become conditional—a trade for something that benefits us, and once that value is extracted, selfishness takes over. People are quick to move on, forgetting the impact of their actions on others.
The pride of earlier generations lies in their golden age, where helping each other was second nature. They didn’t view acts of kindness as burdens or as something to flaunt; it was simply how they lived. But now, the world around us is different. The rules of engagement have changed, and surviving with a completely good heart seems like a struggle. People often feel that if they aren’t a little self-centered, they will be left behind.
Yet, even as this selfish attitude grows, it’s important to balance how we navigate the world. On the outside, a certain degree of self-preservation and assertiveness is necessary. The world may expect us to project strength and ambition, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose who we are at our core. Internally, we can remain the same person—compassionate, kind, and considerate, just as our parents and friends have always known us.
In today’s world, a little change in attitude might be necessary to survive and thrive. But at the same time, we should never let selfishness define our true character. It’s about maintaining the balance between adapting to the demands of modern society and staying grounded in our values. After all, the greatest strength is not in selfishness, but in knowing when to give and when to guard yourself while staying true to the person you’ve always been.