I try to imagine what the world would look like if we took the advice of St. Paul: “Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others.” The capitalist enterprise of self-interest has permeated into our cultural ethos. On the hierarchy of values “self-actualization” is most prized. Caring for the common good, noticing what others are going through are luxuries that rich philanthropists practice but the rest of us have to take care of ourselves. Or do we? Parents regard their children as more important that themselves because of the love they have for the child. When we are filled with love for others, then we seek to promote their interests.
