Grandpa Bill Overviews my upcoming AUDIO show forthcoming a bit later today.
The Maine Mentor Moments in Business and in Life. Today, I want to share a 'tidbit' that really shaped my journey, especially my decision to leave corporate America back in '95 and go solo. It's about a concept called 'Ethical Egoism,' and trust me, understanding it might just change how you view the business world, and even your own choices.So, what exactly is Ethical Egoism? Well, it's a philosophical idea that basically says: you should act in your own self-interest. Not just that people do act that way, but that it's the right thing to do. It's a theory that praises actions that put your own interests first, and it suggests you're morally obligated to avoid worrying about others if it doesn't benefit you directly. Think of it this way: if it helps you, it's good. It comes in a couple of flavors – individual, where I look out for my own interests, and universal, where everyone should look out for their own interests.Now, here's where it gets really interesting, and where it ties directly into the idea of 'expediency' – doing what's practical or convenient, even if it seems a bit questionable. For an ethical egoist, an action is morally right only if it benefits the person doing it. Take something simple like telling the truth. An ethical egoist wouldn't say truth-telling is inherently good. Instead, they'd say you should tell the truth because lying might come back to bite you and negatively impact your happiness. So, principles, in this view, become secondary to personal advantage. They're useful tools that can be set aside if they get in the way of your own gain.This concept really resonated with me as I navigated the corporate landscape. I saw a growing trend where decisions, especially in the pursuit of profit, seemed to be driven less by universal ethical principles and more by what was immediately advantageous for individuals or the company, regardless of the broader impact. It felt like a lot of 'principles' were being sacrificed on the altar of 'expediency.' This wasn't just about bad apples; it felt like a systemic shift, a 'self-interest as the moral compass' approach becoming increasingly prevalent. And that, my friends, was a big part of why I decided to chart my own course and go solo. I wanted to operate with a different compass.But here's the kicker: Ethical Egoism isn't without its serious flaws. Critics point out that it offers no real way to resolve conflicts between people, because if everyone is only looking out for themselves, what happens when interests clash? It could even obligate you to stop others from doing what's 'right' if it doesn't serve your interest. And perhaps the biggest criticism is that it's logically self-defeating if everyone adopted it. An ethical egoist wouldn't want everyone else to be an egoist, because it would work against their own best interest if others weren't acting altruistically towards them! It's a fascinating, albeit problematic, idea. So, as you reflect on your own business and life journeys, consider this: Are the decisions you see, or even make, truly principled, or are they leaning towards expediency driven by self-interest? It's a question worth pondering, especially if you're looking to build something truly sustainable and meaningful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!"
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to @billholt8792 for more Maine Mentor Moments. And check out my audio shows for deeper dives. Until next time, stay principled!
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