11. Driven Solely by Self-Interest

This pattern refers to the mentality and behavior of showing no consideration for the interests of anyone other than oneself or those with similar interests. This pattern can also drive one to maximize one’s Self-Interest by improper means or knowingly or unknowingly sacrificing the interest of other individuals or the greater whole. 

Examples are:

• Think about this: What is your first thought in response to most things? When making a decision or choice, what is your main consideration and what are the core values, criteria or standards behind your consideration? 

• What is in it for me when I do this? What can I get from the help I give? Isn’t it my loss when what I do doesn’t yield any personal gain? 

• How much profit can I get from this? Will it help me gain status or fame, or some bargaining chips, or even a favor that will be remembered? 

• In order to maximize the profit margin, I need to set prices at the highest possible level and reduce my costs to a minimum. It is not a problem to set pay for the employees as low as possible, compromise the quality of the products and services, or even delay payment in order to make profits. If the temptation of profit is high enough, even moral values and the laws (of the state) can be compromised.

Related patterns include: Greediness, Competitiveness, Tormented by Loss and Gain, Self-Centeredness, Approval Seeking, Eagerness for Quick Results, Ignoring and Avoiding Action and Stubbornness. 

When self-interest (that is not related to the true wellbeing and growth of life) has become the main criterion for measuring the value of all the things we do, life will inevitably be put on the path of pursuing and actualizing maximal interest. When life goes this way, one will not care about depleting precious Shen and Qi in order to maximize the odds in the fight for self-interest. Life can be rife with discontent, feelings of not having enough and the experience of being tormented by loss and gain. Tension and conflict can become commonplace in relationships. Eventually, the most important things for life – health, happiness, the sense of wellbeing and growth – will be lost, along with the opportunity to live a life of true meaning and fulfill the true purpose of life.

• ‘Seeking interest and avoiding harm’ is one of the core instincts of life, and ‘seeking interest’ comes first. However, as a human being who is equipped with the ability to reason and the potential for infinite wisdom, it is essential to gain clarity on what is of true interest to life. Is it money, materials, fame and status? Or is it health, happiness, the sense of wellbeing and growth, and helping other people and society? How can one manifest the true value and meaning of life? 

• Money and material goods are necessary for sustaining life, and should not be completely ignored. In fact, every person has the right to obtain money and material goods in a way that is fair, reasonable, lawful, morally sound and beneficial to oneself, others and the totality. 

• Under most circumstances, the considerations of love, relationship, friendship, harmony and support are probably more important than money or self-interest. 

• Think about the tiredness, stress, worry, anxiety, fear, sense of frustration and loss you have often experienced. Where do they come from? Think about the difficult relationships you have in life. What is their root cause? Think about why you would sacrifice your freedom and turn yourself into a money-making robot? What has driven so many people to become more and more selfish and self-centered, and to even be willing to harm and sacrifice others, society and nature in exchange for self-interest? Where have all these problems come from? 

• The incessant pursuit of external interests essentially aims to satisfy the false self with its greed and insatiable appetite. 

• It is important to truly understand that the greatest interest and treasures are really not outside; they are all within ourselves. Directing our exploration inward is the way to obtain them.