Enlightened self-interest involves pursuing our own interests in a way that benefits both ourselves and others, creating win-win situations.
Deserving is central to receiving what we desire, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps and engaging in giving as well as deserving processes.
Deep dives
Enlightened Self Interest
Enlightened self-interest is about pursuing our own interests in a way that benefits both ourselves and others. It involves understanding that life is designed to give us what we deserve, not just what we need. By exercising self-interest in an enlightened manner, we can create win-win situations where everyone benefits. This concept applies to survival and success, as our first and second interests, and it extends to various aspects of life, such as relationships, opportunities, and prosperity. The key is to deserve what we seek by taking proactive steps, planting the seeds, and continually knocking on doors of opportunity.
Deserving and Giving
The idea of deserving is central to receiving what we desire. It is not just about need, but about earning and qualifying for what we want. To deserve something, we must engage in deserving processes, whether it is the mother who paints her door and cultivates her garden to show her willingness to take responsibility, or a child who asks how they can earn money instead of merely stating their need. Giving is also a crucial aspect of receiving. Giving starts the process of receiving and is even considered better than receiving itself. By giving, we open ourselves up to receiving the gratitude, appreciation, and opportunities that come our way. Ultimately, both deserving and giving play significant roles in shaping our outcomes and creating a fulfilling life.