Quote Originally Posted by MajMike
I thought you would like this.

"We like to flatter ourselves with the false claim to a more noble motive; but in fact we can never, even by the strictest examination, completely plumb the depths of the secret incentives of our actions." Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Thanks for that. And it is true. It is as if he is saying there is no real selfless act of the spirit. I cannot entirely rely on my peers or family to recognize any act of kindness as a tool to achieve my own desires. However, perhaps there is a lesson to be taught? True selflessness requires restraint and self-sacrifice. It is too bad that this lesson was not learned earlier in life. Now, at twenty years of age, I struggle to set aside my own desires. Here I am, young and full of promise but it seems my life has taken a different direction. My attention goes to the day, with no concern or thought for my own ripened future. If I let my future go, then what remains for me? I have been very foolish to think that what people want from me is to do what they want for them, but in reality they only want me to do what they want for me. Take my parents, for example. They dreamt that I would attend college and become successful in life--that's what they want from me. And what do I give them? Disappointment. In this particular case, it would seem that the selfish thing to do, focusing on my school and future would prove to be an act of selflessness, in the sense that many people would benefit from me leaving home. It's pretty bad over here, I won't lie. My family life is about as peachy as a double-shift on a weekend. What a fool I have been.