Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "The side effect of caring for others exceeds caring for oneself". The main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone prioritize to themselves first, this statement "caring for others first" is particularly intriguing because it overturns the conventional wisdom regarding self-sacrifice. Typically, putting oneself second for the sake of others is regarded as the pinnacle of virtue or altruism. However, viewed through the lens of psychology and practical philosophy, the argument that this constitutes "cruel selfishness" has a fairly solid foundation, There is a risk that arises if we do not prioritize self-care, namely that we lose self-confidence, It is important to remember: self-confidence arises because a person focuses on developing himself rather than caring about other people, I do not forbid caring about other people's suffering, but if we ourselves are not strong enough to maintain our own abilities, then it is as if we are showing a suicidal attitude because we are unable maintain our daily need.
Here are several perspectives for analysing this statement:
1. Self-Neglect
Literally, neglecting oneself is a destructive act. When someone disregards their physical, mental, or emotional health, they are inflicting harm upon themselves.
The logic: How can someone offer healthy “love” to others if they are unable to offer the same to themselves? Without self-care, the help provided is often of poor quality or given with the last dregs of energy.
2. The Hidden "Selfish" Side
Why is it called selfish? In many cases, excessive self-sacrifice (martyrdom) has an unconscious motive:
* The Need to Be Needed: A person may feel valuable only if they make sacrifices. This can be a way to control the narrative or make others feel emotionally indebted.
* Self-Avoidance: An excessive focus on others’ problems is often a defence mechanism to avoid facing one’s own chaos or responsibilities.
3. Negative Consequences for Those Being Helped
Rather than helping, excessive concern often creates an unhealthy relationship (Codependency):
* Weakening Others: By doing everything for others, we indirectly rob them of the opportunity to learn independence and take responsibility for their own lives.
* The Burden of Guilt: Those receiving help may feel burdened if they see the helper suffering or neglecting themselves for their sake. This creates a relationship dynamic filled with pressure, rather than pure compassion.
4. The Perspective of Balance (Stoicism & Psychology)
In Stoic philosophy, there is a concept that we must maintain our ‘instrument’ (ourselves) so that it functions properly for the common good.
If you are an instrument, you must be in prime condition to produce beautiful sounds for the world. If the instrument is damaged due to lack of care, it is no longer of use to anyone.
Conclusion
This statement can be considered true if we view it from the perspective of moral responsibility towards oneself. Neglecting oneself for the sake of others is not sustainable altruism, but rather a form of shirking responsibility that can actually damage the harmony of long-term relationships.
The most effective kindness usually stems from sufficient self-fulfilment, so that the help given to others flows from a ‘surplus’ of energy, rather than from a painful, forced ‘draining’.