Is it more advantages to be good or evil.

I wondering what people in general think ,because I know the answer from studying evolution, game theory, statistics, social dynamics. I think a big problem with the world is people think X is true .but are compelled to do Y when in fact the total opposite is true. I don't want to give the answer away.

So let's ask the question;

Is being evil (evil defined as behavior that is purely of self benefit) more advantages (safety and happiness) to ones self then being altruistic (putting others equal to or above you for a common good) in the short term and long term? What do you choose and why?

Is this from the perspective that I am separate from everyone else or instead a part of a larger whole?

I still say, what is wrong with finding a happy balance in life? I don't think it's ever advantageous to go to any extreme. I also believe it's possible to be good without being completely selfless. I suppose the easier way to explain it is I love the Wiccan Rede which states:

Bide within the Law you must,
in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live,
fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about
to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time,
let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon,
chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new,
kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak
then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale,
lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East,
expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South,
love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West,
all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go,
burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes
to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might,
in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power
causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand
ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify
and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning
adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree
that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine
giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen
to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree
burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark
in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane
the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows
watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn
soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night
power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall
use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule
light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day
time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height
time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all
when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree
by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go
cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need,
harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend
or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should
three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow
wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do
unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will

Most people think of the rede as just being that last line, but as you can see there's a bit more to it. What it all boils down to, though, is that you can live your life as you see fit as long as you cause harm to no others, and that includes yourself. So if your act of "good" is causing harm to you, then wouldn't it also be an act of "evil" since you are causing harm? Are you not intrinsically being selfish to your own needs.

I love the Wiccan rede cause it's about living in balance with everything around you and with yourself. It sort of does away with the need to focus of good vs. evil and light vs. dark. It simplifies things and leaves room to be able to focus your attention on other important things.

Vesha wrote: I know the answer from studying evolution, game theory, statistics, social dynamics.

I wonder if we have arrived at the same conclusion

It is more advantageous not to waste any time thinking about this.

If one is truly selfish, they will help others when it will benefit themselves. The lines blur for all but half-hearted attempts at selfishness or altruism.

Selfish versus selflessness... hmmm. I'd say it would depend on the interconnectiveness of the network around it. Obviously perception of what advantage constitutes dictates the entire question, but I'd guess in the short term selfishness would garnish greater tangible reward but it would probably cause long term disadvantage. Selflessness by comparison might cost short term, but could provide potential for longer term accessibility as a result of closer 'trusted' relationships that might develop.

I think it went something like "We all have plans, but who knows what is going to happen. Do what you want. I won't blame you."

ren wrote: It is more advantageous not to waste any time thinking about this.

The only way to know that is if you knew the outcome already and could calculate the cost and benefits of this mental exercise and compare it to something else we could be doing.

Seriously though if my hypothesis proves correct I could gain valuable insight into more persuasive arguments. Narva has made me think about how some people prefer to be selfless because it will be good for them in a supernatural way (never thought about that) while steamboat simply redefined the word selfish.

You run into these problems all the time, what do you do and why? Are you selfish because your trying to get ahead? Are you selfless because it makes you feel better? When you do someone a favor do you expect them to help you if you needed help? Where do you draw the line and why?

I'm seriously wondering what motivates people to act selfish or selfless because I'm not sure what the answer is.

It depends, I think, for me. Am I being selfish by being good because if I am evil to anyone it makes me unable to live with the guilt and anxiety I have given myself through my own actions?

Granted there are some days when the thought of being evil is so strong it pushes out the memory that the guilt will come. But those days are settled easily by chocolate, wine, and video games, then the memory of guilt returns and I behave.