Dodo Eggs

For thousands of years, thinkers have pondered whether human beings are born with an inward good, a bend to evil, or an inert openness to the environment.  Like siblings around a broken vase, the argument goes on and on. 

Do you want an answer?  Place six lollipops in front of seven toddlers.

If it was possible to open the back of a newborn’s skull and examine the wiring, you would find one big black cable fused directly into the portion of the brain labeled “SELFISHNESS.”  Personal contentment and satisfaction is the only thing that matters to an infant and unfortunately, many adults.

A self-serving nature doesn’t need to be taught.  It comes as naturally as breathing.  Thinking about one’s own wants is an urge that is incredibley strong. 

The human heart is magnetically drawn to its own pole.

And yet, each phase in life seems designed to help shed this vice.  Removing such a deep stain doesn’t occur all at once.  Life, in all its excruciating patience, slowly peals it away.

Stage One:  Newborns and infants cry when they don’t get their way, the adults in their lives do not bow as they pass, or they cease being the center of the universe.  They don’t want to share and they want “it” now.

Good parents begin breaking the child of this by erecting boundaries early.  It’s a good thing when a child comes to recognize the limits of their sovereignty. 

Stage Two: Siblings enter the picture and split the parents focus.  For some, this is caused to a lesser extent by sharing with friends.  Now they are being told to wait and their demands are equal to others.

Stage Three:  In school, the person becomes one of an entire collection of similar kids.  There is one adult to meet twenty different needs.  Rules for behavior are put into place.  A raised hand and a bit of patience are needed before making a request.

Stage Four:  Dating, love, and marriage create a medley that requires a huge investment into another.  You dream of making another person happy not yourself (although companionship isn’t a bad perk).  A healthy commitment to serve and cherish the needs of someone else becomes the basis.

Stage Five:  A new human being, selfish to the core, is put under one’s charge.  Time and energy once used for recreation is now siphoned off to care for the child.  Whatever it takes to care for the child is the mantra.  There is no time or money for self-indulgence.

Stage Six:  You’ve retired.  Your children are gone and so are your responsibilities at work.  People begin excusing your selfish behavior because you’re old.  You do what you want when you want. 

Grandchildren are fed their desires, thus undoing the work of their parents.  You’ve become a net exporter of selfishness! Welcome back to your natural state!

• Childish Reasoning
• The Complaint Department
• Failing Parents
• Male Studies – Letter 9
• Baby Tools