Altruism, self-serving, and how much is enough?
Not just the lyrics of a Thompson Twins song, but an interesting question given the pressure to (re)distribute wealth, amongst other things, for the greater good of the population. It’s easy to say someone should give it all away, but if you were in their shoes would you find it so easy? Is altruism really a thing or is it all really just covert self-serving? Do you truly give without the expectation of anything or are you in denial of being motivated by your own selfish needs and wants?
If I was King for just one day
Would I give it all away?
How much dough does one need?
Surely enough for you and me
But perhaps for 30,000 steeds!
A show of vanity, of greed.
A lust for power
A lust for control
Fighting injustice
In the name of ourselves
The tyrannical man,
is as much,
At war with himself,
And does not trust.
It’s such a lovely idea
For all to flourish
But we can go from utopia
To dystopia rather quickish
Sharing equally all-around
Will run society into the ground.
Concentrated in the few
The horde will come for the hoarders
Best give some away
maybe a knighthood is in order?
For the generous and benevolent,
Even the selfish and malcontent.
We are here for such a short time
Self-preservation is innate
But how to provide for others
With barbarians at the gate
Opportunists are lurking,
The wolves in sheep’s clothing
To rob you of your honest labour,
And leave you nothing for the showing.
Altruism
Be prepared to have it squandered
Casting pearls before swine
Only until after, is it pondered
Still, help your fellow man
Have the courage and fortitude
It may be less effective and efficient
But with love and not empty platitudes.
Once bitten, twice shy
To you Sir I say goodbye
Time is precious
Moreso than money
But it eats away at you
Like Winnie the Pooh to honey.
I give the tools to think
But many throw down the sink
They prefer endless distractions
And still can’t get no satisfaction
I take no pride in saying this
I’m certainly not taking the piss.
To help the many or the few
Appearances can be deceiving
Where do allegiances lie?
The truth can be quite revealing
The urge to save humanity or,
The urge to rule it?
Power over the world, or to serve it?
So, if I was King for just one day
Would I give it all away?
Would I do it for me or for you?
Would I give it freely or in lieu?
What can I contribute?
What is it that you want?
Ask and you shall receive,
The universe is your confidant.
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