Myself or others

Myself or Others: The world is made up of diversity, starting from mere thoughts to beliefs or even simple outlook. The way a person perceives what is right from wrong is different from the way another does. The fact that there are different cultural beliefs makes it really hard to define what is right and what is wrong. On one hand, ethics is all about principles that help in guiding individuals on the path that is well defined while on the other hand, egoism is all about self-interest.
According to James Rachels, ” Ethical egoism endorses selfishness, but it doesnt endorse foolishness.
What does it simply talk about? It means that, as much as one must strive by all means to reach his or her target, other people should not be trampled on in the process. As much as one takes care of self-interest, he or she should have principles. The things that a person does will either positively or negatively influence his or her relationships. No one is an island; we all need people one way or another. Ethical egoism compared to ethical altruism is far apart, the former deals with self-interest while the latter deals with moral obligation to others. In the middle, there is utilitarianism which is independent and neutral. These are the major categories that different cultures fall into.
Some cultures believe that, once parents become incapable of taking care of the family it becomes responsibility of the older child. This is a moral obligation that does not allow one to choose, which may lead to two different sentiments. One may take it positively and actually embrace the idea of being responsible for the others, putting his or own interests on hold. This is a great concept only when it does not turn one into a pauper. What am I saying? The fact that one can take care of others, simply means that they can afford to have basics. If they cannot have even mere basics because of others needs then it is morally wrong (Nina R, 2012)
Another person may take it negatively, because he or she is just selfish in nature or may not understand why he or she should take responsibility, which is meant for parents. A person ends up doing it but, with a lot of protest. In both cases, the interest of a person may be delayed or even may remain unexecuted. As a result, there are things that may come up; for example, resentment towards the recipients, one may end up being a dwarf when it comes to development and at times because of fate, one may end up having unaccomplished dreams.
According to me, an individual is supposed to balance. It is good to help parents and the community at large with regard to your capabilities. One has to ensure his or her comfort while looking at another’s. This guarantees that, while helping others one does not become retarded in terms of self-growth. In short it is all about being wise; the society judge’s one through what one’s accomplishments, especially, the ones who benefit from the sacrifices. In other cultures, it is all about empowerment. The children are supposed to help themselves with the tools handed to them; the idea of self-love is cultivated in them. A person grows up believing that his or her interest should always come first. The belief is that when one satisfies his or her own needs, they can in turn empower another person (Nina R, 2012)
The problem arises when these two cultures come together, for example, in marriage. The two cultures experience difficulty in understanding one another, merging them and coming to a compromise needs a lot of consideration from both parties. It will be hard for one to understand why he or she should not eat sausages for breakfast just because, the spouse has people to take care of. What really happens in a case where one believes in giving without reservations and another is out rightly selfish?
A person can only be successfully in life, if balance features in his or her life.

Reference
Nina R., 2012. The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics, 7th edition.