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Originally Posted by Dark Messiah It is a fundamental truth of human nature that a person who is just will always be happier than one who is unjust. Socrates, Jesus, Buddha, Confucious, and nearly every other founder of a major world philosophy agree on this. While the details of what constitutes right behavior in every situation varies, naturally, with which teacher you go to, the basic principle can be defined this way; one who does what is right, regardless of personal benefit, will love himself. One who acts selfishly, who knowingly does wrong and is unthinking of the health and happiness of others, will, whatever they tell themselves and others, never love themselves. |
I must disagree somewhat with your underlying principle. One who acts justly, no matter how much he sacrifices of himself for the benefit of others, is still motivated by personal benefit; indeed, he is acting justly
because of his motivation to better his situation. In fact all human actions come from that motivation, including the second person in your example. The only difference is the first guy is wise to the golden rule.