"We're all minor characters in someone else's story." -Unknown
In class, we read "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace, who posits that our "default setting" is self-centered and self-seeking. He uses stream of consciousness to emulate a daily experience, and it's uncannily accurate. I know I've been guilty of thinking that way, especially after a long day at school. How can we all think of other people as nuisances, even as they're thinking the same thing?
From birth, you can only experience life from one perspective--your own. We are not born as omniscient narrators, able to view and comment on the thoughts of others (which would make socializing so much easier). All we know is our own psyche. This is part of the reason why "simple awareness" is so difficult to maintain; it's hard to consider others when we're so used to providing for ourselves above all else.
Selfishness is hardwired into our systems. Our ancestors competed to survive, just as we now compete to be successful. People fight for fame, wealth, power, you name it. The nature of this competition demands selfishness: for every winner, there must be losers. We're easily blinded by our goals, too busy working to notice the plight of others. It's not uncommon to see hundreds, thousands of people walking by a beggar without giving a second glance.
The term theory of mind refers to the capacity to empathize. It's quite possibly the most valuable gift humans have--it allows for strong connections to be made between individuals. Theory of mind is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It's what David Foster Wallace is talking about, taking the time to truly care about others. It's a shame that we're not using it to it's full extent.
On a more positive note, a relatively recent photography movement has sprung up: Humans of New York. Brandon Stanton's work captures snapshots of people we'll never meet, providing a glimpse of their life stories. It really makes you think about the people you meet every day. What if there's more to "the guy who wears funny hats," or "the guy who sits behind me in chemistry?" This is a step in the right direction; it's this kind of art that really brings out the best in humanity.
The point you make about people not being omniscent narrators is shockingly accurate and a very great reasoning for the reason why humans are so self-centered. Perhaps if we could read into everybody's minds, the world would be a better, more compassionate place.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that we experience things from our point of view allows us to become self-centered. However it is for this exact reason that we can empathize with others. From our own experiences, we can relate to those of others and understand the hardships or successes they are going through. If we were to become omniscient, the empathy that we know of today will disappear.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote to introduce your blog post! Your comments about humans' innate self-centeredness were also really enlightening. It was also really interesting how you related selfishness to the drive to succeed. Nice post Newton!
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis of David's speech! Every perception of mankind is subjective, and yet self-centered is a concept that may be argued. Every act can be viewed as selfish or self-centered. But the reality is, as David points out, it is self-centered becasue it is YOUR life. Therefore, it is by the betterment of the individual, that the society as a whole may improve.
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