Escaping the tyranny of a self-seeking mindset

“The human question is not how many can possibly survive (…) but what kind of existence is possible for those who do” – Frank Herbert

Probably by now, you have figured out this fact about our present world. If not yet, then I posit to you: We live in highly capitalistic societies whose slogan is ‘survival for the fittest’. Back in my campus hey-days, I was privileged to attend several classes where economics was taught and here is what I deduced: In our varied economies, resources are scarce and finite with human wants unlimited and insatiable.

By resources, they referred to time, money and human capital. Therefore, the rational goal for any agent is profit maximisation subject to these constraints. At the end, everyone gets their rewards; shareholders’ wealth and interests are safeguarded while the workers take home their wages. For centuries, this gain-seeking maxim has controlled interactions and engagements across social circles and business roundtables.

It is responsible for the millions who lose their hard-earned cash after falling victim to Ponzi schemes and other get-rich-quick enterprises. The papers are drenched with the stench of never-ending corruption sagas across government institutions and even religious bodies. In the world of work, the equivalent is an avaricious voice which rumbles: Labour is cheap and available. Therefore, employers exploit their workers to the detriment of their health and care less about turnover rates because there are always other people competing for the same position depending on their needs notwithstanding the often meagre pay.

Sadly, this irrational driving force is evident even in the most tender of relationships, even family and friendships. Repeatedly, we’ve heard of successful or botched attempts where goons are hired to exterminate a spouse or a sibling for the sole benefit of inheriting an estate. In a sort of frenzy, the new-found object of the populace is: How do I maximise my gains, irrespective of whom it pains, again and again?

What’s most horrifying is that instead of such actions evoking feelings of angst, dread and wrath, not only are they celebrated but equally venerated. Not once have I encountered people who clamour to get into an office of trust with a motive to loot public coffers. On the other end of the spectrum, the young constantly bombarded with such messages, develop skewed academic ambitions. I have heard some who want to study procurement-related courses for such will increase their chances of landing in a ‘money-minting’ department!

Hence begs the question, In a man-eat-man society who will survive? Should we all espouse the belief, ‘everyone for himself but God for us all,’ carrying on a carefree and individualistic attitude? Well, here’s my take: One, the transient nature of our existence as humans ought to call us to set our priorities right. We are not demigods with an infinite measure of life. Instead, the average human lifespan is only about a thousand months before bowing to the grave. Of what profit is it to spend a lifetime actuated by an exploitive mindset which will end up excluding one from accessing the never-ending afterlife? Much more, at the close of his life, the wisest man who ever lived observed that: The blessing of the Almighty, makes one truly rich. All attempts to enrich ourselves to the detriment of others weaken the very foundation our fortunes are built. After all, the tears, groans and agonies of those we trample over never go unavenged.

Thus, in a man-eat-man society, the most reasonable will live with intentionality, avoiding illegality, denouncing impropriety, championing equality and being propelled by morality. The clarion call is for all leaders, parents, citizens, employers, teachers, clergymen and anyone in a position of trust to play their roles with calculated exactness and unequalled diligence – devoid of selfish ambition but actuated by the desire to make the world a better place. Undoubtedly, if we all did that, social institutions would be strengthened and country resources safeguarded; the emergence of delinquents would be averted and the sanctity of marriage would be elevated; law and order would be maintained with societal sobriety attained; employees would be rightly appreciated and workplace goodwill cultivated; students would be motivated and untapped potential activated; honest seekers of truth would be satiated and liberated from the shackles of ignorance.

Cheers, good people to a week and lifetime full of sobriety!