I think Mother Theresa was selfish. I don’t mean that in a bad way, I mean that Mother Theresa knew that, for her, helping other people made life worth living. I trust that kind of selfishness - it’s rooted in truth.
Most people don’t know what Mother Theresa knew. They enter relationships to “get something” without ever admitting their true motivation. And so there is something false that comes through. An anxiety that they might be found out, either by the other person or by themselves!
It’s only those rare few that understand the fundamental passion of their own lives and enter every relationship sorting for how to make that passion manifest.
I have a blog about Pathbreakers - people who live uncompromising lives and succeed in finding that perfect intersection of doing what they love and making money. I interview them and find out how they do what they do. And the thing that is shared by every one of them is that they know what they want, they commit to it, and they are uncompromising about building their lives around it. They are selfish about attending to it and not letting anything get in the way - not other people’s opinions, not what they should do, not their lack of time or the state of the world - nothing.
Recently, I’ve found a new pathbreaker. He is the darling of the social media world and I can understand why. Chris Brogan is enthralled by what he does. He has found what he is passionate about and he does it all the time, selfishly following his fascination, non-stop. And, like Mother Theresa, because he’s doing what he loves, he is able to act selflessly in a way few others can; he’s able to actually give back to the people he interacts with. And people respond to that. I respond to that.
This video is a tribute to his work and to his and Julien Smith’s new book Trust Agents. The video is about why true trust is always founded in the deep integrity of knowing what you want in your life.
And without further adieu, here’s why I only trust the selfish:
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August 14, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I started to be frustrated, thinking, “I’m not selfish.” Of course, I am. By the definition above, I totally am.
Very interesting blog, Devon. I’m digging in deeper and deeper now and going backwards.
August 14, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Glad you’re finding it interesting Chris. Most of the posts are from a while back. I just imported them when I launched this new site so some of the links don’t work and I’m only just now beginning to post regularly. Still have a ton of work just getting the content for the rest of the site up and getting the wiki started. Building a working compendium of consciousness is not small task! But, the Matrix waits for no one.
If you like the posts, I think you’ll dig the vids for Dad-o-Matic.
More to come.
Be well.
April 28, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I have been installing innergame,the last few weeks….thanks Devon for being there when I needed a support system….the game penetrates deep and profound and resonates a very high truth….I’m emailing/sharing your work with others….it’s courageous people like you that make the difference in the world….everyone sooner or later will have to open up, to what the universe has to offer, and I mean being the power, love, 24/7….blessing’s, Judy….Ontario
April 30, 2010 at 3:37 pm
This is so good! Just this morning I was reading Anthony de Mello speaking about exactly the same thing: even the most apparently selfless individual is acting out of the need/desire to feel good about themselves.
When we stop expecting people to put others before themselves, disappointment vanishes. Easier said than done, I might add! I still recoil from “goody goody” acquaintances who portray all sweetness and light, receive endless public praise, medals and awards for their selflessness, yet privately groan and complain about their workload. Martyrdom makes them feel good.
Where did I read recently that it can be cruel to take poeple’s dramas away from them because their pain is what they most enjoy?
I’m off to do more of what I want. Selfish me!
Love this work…..enjoy your day everyone!
Robin