WHY WE BECOME SO SELFISH.

It would take a person to actually open up and show empathy to others. This is because in this rat race world, everyone is so caught with the idea of progressing beyond their ability.  People strive to be the best in everything they do; be it at work or in studies. Therefore, they think it is acceptable to be selfish if they want to reach the most important life goals such as achieving the most successful results, promoting the highest position and enjoying the best life ever.

Firstly, students are competing in all aspects of academic life; to do well in examinations, to secure grants or scholarships to pursue their studies locally or overseas.  This fighting spirit is further encouraged by their teachers or lecturers, so much so that the students will go all out to score the most outstanding achievements. As such, some students will do whatever it takes to succeed, even to the extent of being so selfish, refusing to share notes or answers and focusing on individual study than group study. This self-centered attitude is not planned but caused by the intense pressure of preparing for examination.

Then, when they join the workforce, some still have this selfish attitude as they are competing for the highest position in the company. The higher they get the more perks and salaries they are gaining, so driving some people to act over the limit.  Back-stabbing, bribery and dishonesty are commonly practiced among employers. This unhealthy competition is certainly not helping them to be supportive to each other. 

Later, the act of being selfish is also widely seen in public. Just go to public places such as restaurants, cinemas, stadiums, shopping centres or offices. You will be surprised to witness some despicable tricks of cutting the lines, shameful unnecessary arguments for parking spaces or ignorant refusal of using the numbered systems. Refusing to oblige rules seems like a normal practice among Malaysians and this clearly depicts an ugly picture of our society who only cares about themselves. Obviously, the unappealing attitude that they have been practising since childhood influences their adult life.

It is really a sad reality to see our people become so selfish.  This is further damaging as now people openly expose their low level mentality when they proudly post about their acts in social media such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We can only shock our heads and sigh in despair.. Malaysia oh Malaysia….Bila nak berubah?