What's in it for me? [WRAP]

"By far the most dangerous foe we have to fight is apathy - indifference from whatever cause, not from a lack of knowledge, but from carelessness, from absorption in other pursuits, from a contempt bred of self satisfaction."

- William Osler

Apathy.

This is ATS. I know who my audience is right now and of course, this does not apply to many of us. But tell me? How often are you face to face with it?

Me? I speak from experience alone. Our mileage may vary.

I've lived overseas for quite a while. Grew up in both a metropolis and in a town with a population of just shy of 1000. I've been a guest to about 23 different countries, I've spent a considerable amount of time in all four corners of the United States, and you know what I've found? You guessed it! A general "What's in it for me?"

Now, I'm not naive, I know that there are people who care, but I'm telling you, they are few and far between.

This is what keeps me awake at night.

Perhaps a significant step towards the a downfall of society as we know it. It's permeated everything to some extent..religion, work, education, media, social, political...you name it, I'm willing to bet you can find it too.
How can we, as a people, ever advance any further if we cannot look beyond ourselves?

Why should I vote?
Why should I learn?
Why should I question?
Why should I listen?
Why should I speak?
Why should I aspire?
Why should I care?
What's in it for me?

Now self image is king. Commercialism is geared toward how it can help you. Politicians get your attention by explaining how their policies will help you. Schools reward mediocrity, thus breeding a feeling of " who cares" to the students...our future...

Unless its beneficial to me who cares?

I'd like to apologize in advance dear readers. I feel that this comes off more as a Rant rather than a short story, and I suppose it is. I'm normally a lot more articulate than what is displayed above, but when the urge hits I just go with it. Hope you enjoyed it somewhat.

You should look into Strausianism - you seem to be right in line with your observations. Check out a documentary available on youtube called 'the Power of Nightmares'.

That's exactly it! Me, me me and me again.

The main part of the problem comes from political correctness, let's sympathize with little Johnny and lets not hurt his poor little feelings in any way.

Well now little Johnny has grown from being a spoiled little brat to being a spoiled adult that has gotten used to having the world revolve around him.

The coping gene has finally been killed off.
He knows of no other way to cope with anything if it requires any effort whatsoever.

Originally posted by Alxandro
Well now little Johnny has grown from being a spoiled little brat to being a spoiled adult that has gotten used to having the world revolve around him.

Very well put, and I fear that the cycle will probably continue