By ~Absaar Abbas Mohammadi
In this world there is room for everyone and the good earth is rich and can provide everything for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful. But we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s soul. Greed is an excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth. Greed is the true root of all evil in this world and it has caused so much pain and suffering to humanity.
What is greed?
Greed according to Merrian Webster dictionary is “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed.” Greed is an overwhelming urge to have more of something. it’s an ugly thing, whether you’re observing a greedy person or the greed of a huge company that treats its workers badly in order to make more money. So greed means always hungry for more.
Why Greed…
The causes of greed are multifaceted. They often stem from deep-rooted psychological factors, such as insecurities and a desire for control. Greed emerges when people compare themselves to others who have more, leading to a desire to match them. Additionally, scarcity mindsets, social influences, and economic factors contribute to the complex nature of greed. These elements collectively shape our understanding of this human trait.
1.Economic inequality: Greed is the insatiable desire for more. It is an important economic motive with numerous implications for consumer behavior and decision processes.
2.Cultural conditioning: Cultural norms and values play a significant role in shaping individuals’ behavior. In societies that prioritize individual success and material wealth, the pursuit of personal gain may be glorified, leading to the development of greediness.
3: Social Status: The need for social status has a great impact on one’s performance. Thus people with a higher need for social status are more likely to work hard to work others respect and obtain a higher status. Improving one’s social status is an effective way to acquire what he or she wants.
4: Wealth: Income inequality and financial insecurity are significant factors that contribute to the perpetuation of greed in society. In society, money has become the ultimate path to power. Due to this belief, money has the capability to cause an individual to become greedy and selfish.
5: Jealousy: Jealousy is another dangerous emotion that fuels greed in the society. The root cause of greed is comparison with others. Seeing others with more success, wealth or status can spark feelings of resentment and inadequacy.
6.Lack of ethical education and moral guidance: The absence of ethical education and moral guidance can contribute to the development of greedy and selfish tendencies. When individuals are not taught the importance of fairness, empathy, and consideration for others, they may be more prone to engaging in self-centered behaviors.
Problems with greed: Greed means to have an intense selfish desire to have something. Greed and selfishness can have a detrimental impact on personal development, hindering growth and preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. Greed often destroys ones good judgement and the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. Greed takes away ones wisdom that means it can lead a person to callousness and arrogance. These negative traits stem from a deep-rooted focus on one’s own desires and a lack of consideration for others, leading to a variety of negative consequences.
Humans are social and cultural animals, they will never be satisfied with whatever they have, they are always hungry for more. Human fail to realize that greed makes them poor.
It Erodes Trust.
Greed often involves deceiving or taking advantage of others for personal gain. This selfish behavior inevitably erodes the trust that healthy relationships depend on. Once that foundation crumbles, it’s extremely difficult to rebuild.
It effects on health
The impact of greed on your health is obvious. A great percentage of medical problems have their source in food and drink disorders as well as in the inappropriate consumption of drugs. This acquisitiveness destroys the health of society and culture as well as your own life.
It gives birth to wars and conflicts
Greed, defined as an excessive desire for wealth or power, has long been a catalyst for conflicts and wars.
Killing of people..
Greed comes in all shapes and sizes, but it takes a special kind of greed to kill someone for money. Here, we’ve assembled some of the most notorious, notable and nasty cases, proving that some people really will do anything for money … even kill.
It can cause disgrace:
Greed can cause disgrace because it can lead to people acting in ways that are immoral, unethical and wrong. Greed is a desire for more than what is needed or deserved, and it can be for material gain or social value. Greed can lead to conflict between personal and social goals, and it can cause people to do bad things to acquire more and leads to loss of honor, dignity, and cause humiliation or disgrace. This statement warns us about the consequences of greed, describing it as a source disgrace and humiliation for those who embrace it.
Overcoming Greed and Selfishness:
To cultivate selflessness and overcome these behaviors, individuals can take practical steps that promote empathy, compassion, and a sense of collective well-being. Here are some methods to consider:
Developing self-awareness:
Start by reflecting on your own thoughts, actions, and motivations. Recognize when selfish tendencies arise and acknowledge the impact they have on others. This self-awareness can serve as a foundation for change.
These acts can generate a sense of fulfillment and create positive change in both oneself and the community.
Seeking ethical education and moral guidance. Actively seek out opportunities to learn about ethics, fairness, and moral values. Engage in discussions, read literature, or attend workshops that promote selflessness and emphasize the importance of considering the needs and perspectives of others.
Practicing self-care:
Taking care of oneself is essential to maintaining a healthy balance between selflessness and personal well-being. Prioritize self-care activities that rejuvenate and recharge, allowing you to continue giving to others without depleting your own resources.
Communication also plays a vital role in overcoming selfishness. Open and honest dialogue allows us to express our needs while also actively listening to the needs of others. Through effective communication, we can find solutions that benefit everyone involved, leading to stronger and more harmonious relationships.
Conclusion:
It could be argued that greed is a natural and normal human trait. However self- interest is only natural up to a certain point and it usually works in tendem with altruism, cooperation and mutual benefit. overcoming selfishness is an ongoing process that requires active participation and self-reflection. By practicing active listening, empathy, compromise, effective communication, gratitude, and self-awareness, we can transform our relationships and create deeper connections based on understanding, kindness, and mutual respect. Let us embrace selflessness and work towards building meaningful relationships that enrich our lives and those of others.
If greedy people want to change they will have to go on an inner journey to discover the unconscious cause of their self- indulgent pursuit of wealth, power and possessions. They may also need to become acquainted with what is really essential in life such as love, emotional intimacy, unconditional acceptance ( and self- acceptance ), and rich ,satisfying relationships.
So our aim and work should be to eradicate and to mold greedy minds towards humanity and they should keep themselves away from this dragon greed.
(Writer can be reached out at ammarabass321@gmail.com)
