You row your boat. Does your blood form the stream?

Individualism (n) - A belief in the importance of the individual and the virtue of self-reliance and personal independence.

Egotism (n) - An exaggerated opinion of your own importance.
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These are two vastly different terms. However the distinction between the two is not usually appreciated and they are often confused, or used interchangeably. Those who believe that these terms effectively refer to the same thing are invited to drink deeply from the deep wellspring of pity that eructs from my "selfish" heart.


Selfish. What a word. "Selfish" is thrown around as an insult. Most people think it's a bad thing to be selfish. It is called a vice. Me, I'd take it as a compliment, in a trice. What are we if not selfish creatures. Who would want to be a selfless person? Self-less??? Doesn't the word evoke some measure of disgust in you? What kind of a man/woman are we without our egos/selves. It is that self which makes a person unique. It is that self that makes a person stand out. It is that concept of a "self" that gives us worth.

A person who says "Me first" is not selfish. To say something like that, in front of so many other individuals, does require something extra. That is an opinion/estimation of one's worth. That is what most people lack. They hide it under the halo of "sacrifice". It of course is "self-sacrifice" Which brings me to why I started writing this.

Self-sacrifice is not a good deed. Not to you, at any rate. Not unless you are willing to 'sell your soul', to quote an oft repeated cliche. However, this is more of a case of maiming/killing your soul, depending on the extent to which you go. Altruistic values preached at the altar of self-sacrifice and selflessness are lies. They attach to your person, servility towards the rest of the race. Whatever happened to freedom? To make your own choices and be responsible for them?

Live for yourself. Live with the knowledge that the only person you are ultimately responsible for is yourself. The expectations others have for you are meaningless. It is not for you to satisfy them and in the process raise their estimation of themselves by your actions. It is their problem, and let them deal with it. Their loss, not yours. Your actions are what that define you, not them. You do not have to live for another. Love your life, and not theirs. A person incapable of that, cannot truly love. Always, know that you come first; the rest merely follow.

Your life is your own. Live it up.