A Lesson in Falling on Grenades

Warning: I know this topic may make some of you uncomfortable, so I apologize in advance. Please note that this is not necessarily my belief, but more of a topic I felt like delving into and considering. I’d like if you would consider it as well.

No one wants to die, to be killed or end their existence (unless they believe it to be a better alternative, such as to end pain, or go on to the afterlife – thus improving their current condition). At the core of every person, at the very base layer of the human psyche is the instinct for survival. By design, we are hardwired to resort to self preservation. This instinct is often covered up by all the other frivolous “needs” that society has taught us is important. Maslow's hierarchy of needs further demonstrates this topic. But it is there, in all of us. The point is that whether or not we admit to it, we are all selfish by nature. Even those who behave selflessly receive a sense of joy and accomplishment for their efforts, find their reward through their actions and the knowledge that they’ve made a difference. I know this sounds cynical, and is to a point. I’m approaching this from a logical position. But what does all this mean? Why does it even matter?

The survival instinct is the quintessential driving force behind our society’s greatest accomplishments, as well as its catastrophic failures. We struggle to improve the conditions we live in to better ensure our survival. At the same time, these “improvements” can result in great or terrible achievements, as we often don’t take into account the effects of our actions. That is a topic for another time though (society’s short-sightedness, concern for only present situations). This is because while we are “all in this together”, we still strive as individuals, to be individuals, with our own individual goals, which trump any other missives. On the surface, we may not always show it, but underneath, in the vast majority, this is true. Only when confronted with death, truly looking it in the face, will our survival nature “kick in” and fully control our actions. The only cases I can think of where this doesn’t hold true is in the faithfully religious, who believe death is not an end, or the insane. A great demonstration of this is in a book I read, which is not for those lacking maturity due to its graphic and brutal content, called A Rage for Revenge, by David Gerrold. Reading the first two books wouldn’t hurt either.

It may be possible that an ideal society is born out of breaking the survival mentality, and replacing it with a selfless, unifying instinct. Truly believing that we are all in this together, and the benefit of the whole always is more important than the self. It is not that no one has ever believed this, but in order for it to work, EVERYONE would have to LIVE this concept. Keep in mind this is an ideal concept, that will never be realized. There is also a clear distinction between a ‘one for all’ mentality, and assimilation.

I digress. I really just wanted to get some thoughts out, and also get you thinking as well. I feel there is a chance I lost some of what I wanted to get across in this post, so please comment if you have questions or want clarification, or have your own thoughts on this matter.