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mark_a
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Any ideas?
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RobNY
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LilyM
Guest
Either undue pride, or perhaps a lack of self-esteem (where the person doesnt get reassured of their value or importance often enough, and so overcompensates in their own mind)
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mark_a
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This is the simple psychological explanation I was hoping to get. Thanks.
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stbruno
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Man’s free will. To choose to do what is right or what is not right.
Children who are not of the age of reason react purely on emotion, but as adults we are expected to reason with a well formed conscience…based on divine and natural law. However, that’s where free will comes in…
Children who are not of the age of reason react purely on emotion, but as adults we are expected to reason with a well formed conscience…based on divine and natural law. However, that’s where free will comes in…
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dwc
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I think laziness plays a big part in it … it often takes time, energy and inconvenience to be generous with time, talent, treasure.
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BobCatholic
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concupicense.
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Oblaidon
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Self preservation. The selfish animal eats most the food and becomes the strongest. While the timid animal doesn’t get enough to sustain itself.
We should find a balance because we are humans. We can’t be walked all over, but we should try to look at life through other people’s eyes. Know how others may feel. Try to surround yourself with unselfish people.
We should find a balance because we are humans. We can’t be walked all over, but we should try to look at life through other people’s eyes. Know how others may feel. Try to surround yourself with unselfish people.
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ALLFORHIM
Guest
I think Rob summed it up quit nicely.
To add, it also has to do with how a person was raised. I am having problems teaching my son not to be selfish.
It starts with being born with original sin (our sin will control us unless we have the HS in us)and then a child is either taught not to be or taught to be.
or just not taught at all.If I dont teach my son the ways of God and teach him about what is sin and how to conquer it–well then shame on me and WATCH OUT WORLD
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I_Leatherman
Guest
My psychology; Fear - given that He kept telling people over and again - Do Not Be Afraid, a fearful type is overly concerned with his own well-being. A generous spirit is free of fear or a fear-less spirit is generous with its-self. 
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cheddarsox
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I agree that often it is fear, even subconscious fear of lack.
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FelixBlue
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Selfishness is caused by the soul seeking an apparent good which turns out to be no more than a kind self-imprisonment. It is a returning to the absolute comfort of the womb instead of a moving forward (through suffering and death) to the bosom of Christ and the ultimate consummation of all things in the Eucharistic Unity. Selfishness is the soul seeking eternity/
infinity/otherness/Love/God in his own temporal/finite/self-same/lustful/non-divine self.
Lastly, it is caused by that strong, overpowering and good desire for absolute, unconditional love we all feel so strongly. The problem is that, as the old country song has it, we seek that love in all the wrong places.
infinity/otherness/Love/God in his own temporal/finite/self-same/lustful/non-divine self.
Lastly, it is caused by that strong, overpowering and good desire for absolute, unconditional love we all feel so strongly. The problem is that, as the old country song has it, we seek that love in all the wrong places.
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leonie
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Oh yeah.
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aspawloski4th
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it depends on what one is selfish with. theres lots of reasons.
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ltbpoe43
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Lack of love for self and for others.
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Vittorio23
Guest
A separation from God and consequently from love. Selfishness is the exact opposite of love. (Have you ever heard the expression of ‘love is sacrifice’?)
The human soul instinctly yearns for God: to be completely united to its Maker and the fountain of all love. Such is the true desire of our soul. This is what we were created for and living out this vocation in its full would be living a life of “self-lessness”.
Unfortunately, many humans often do not recognize this desire in its fullness. They recognize a deep, authentic desire for something, but often cannot put their finger on what this something is. Original sin, lack of formation, etc are possible causes for this. This opens the door for many to attempt to fill this desire with self-gratification.
The farther a soul falls from God, the less likely they are to recognize the true nature of their souls longing. The farther a soul falls from God, the less likely they are to recognize thier sins; in this case, selfishness.
It’s a harsh cycle for those who have never understood the yearnings of their soul. For those who do understand these desires yet still struggle at fulfilling them, there is the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the graces therein.
The human soul instinctly yearns for God: to be completely united to its Maker and the fountain of all love. Such is the true desire of our soul. This is what we were created for and living out this vocation in its full would be living a life of “self-lessness”.
Unfortunately, many humans often do not recognize this desire in its fullness. They recognize a deep, authentic desire for something, but often cannot put their finger on what this something is. Original sin, lack of formation, etc are possible causes for this. This opens the door for many to attempt to fill this desire with self-gratification.
The farther a soul falls from God, the less likely they are to recognize the true nature of their souls longing. The farther a soul falls from God, the less likely they are to recognize thier sins; in this case, selfishness.
It’s a harsh cycle for those who have never understood the yearnings of their soul. For those who do understand these desires yet still struggle at fulfilling them, there is the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the graces therein.
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