Advertisement

The Unselfish Philosophy

Share:

Depositphotos 35132131 Original
Deposit Photos

The First Nations of Canada have a traditional philosophy that is central to their oral teachings. The Cree version of this philosophy is Manatan, and while the word varies through languages and dialects, it always invokes a larger thought. Loosely translated, it would be the idea of universal respect—respect for self, for individuals, for other groups, and for mother earth. Respect itself may not be enough of a definition, as Manatan invokes a sense of caring, love, and connectedness as well. This philosophy is the guiding principle in all aspects of existence from one’s personal life and family relations to the political and economic decisions of the tribe and leadership.

A full translation of the intent of this word is difficult in English (je pense en français aussi) because it doesn’t mesh well with the traditional Western way of thinking. Our European and colonialist roots teach us that someone must lose if we are to win, and hence we perceive any win by someone else as a loss to ourselves. This is the underlying principle influencing our decisions. From personal relationships to negotiations, we jockey for position to ensure that our wins exceed our losses. We extend this to our authority structures, too, and strive not only to climb the proverbial ladder but hold onto and take advantage of this position once we achieve it.

When we think in a win-lose paradigm, we act in a selfish way. We negotiate without thought for the other party. Personal gain is our primary consideration. Although there are some exceptions for companies who make legitimate efforts, our corporations often try to put a “green spin” on their products, even if they don’t really have a true environmental impact. The spin is used as a marketing ploy. If we perceive the economy and the environment to be in conflict, the economy usually wins.

But the most dangerous aspect of this paradigm is that when we think in win-lose terms, we believe that at some point we will lose. This drives an attitude of entitlement and advantage; we must maximize our wins to pay for our inevitable loss.

The inappropriate conduct—whether physical, emotional, or economic—of those in authority is nothing more than entitlement. It’s a lust to seize all that can be seized before the next downfall. Historically, this type of person has been admired and respected, with those achieving positions of influence and power being held in high esteem.

Because win-lose is like a scale, are we comfortable with weighing a successful person’s accomplishments again what they did t o get there? While we may have advanced beyond the Mad Men era, those same roots continue to influence us today.

It’s unfortunate that universal ideals are seldom, if ever, universally accepted and practiced. Yet there would doubtless be a positive impact if Manatan became a core teaching in our society. How unfortunate it is that the European masses weren’t the ones to be “civilized.” It’s likely not the fault of Indigenous teachers, but rather those arriving on the New World’s shores, those old dogs incapable of learning new tricks.

While most of us arrived on these shores through good navigation, it will be through the proper use of a moral compass that we truly find the New World we all want.

Advertisement
More COMMENTARY

Chiseling Granite: The Value of a Flippant “I Love You”

Recently I’ve been thinking about love. Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but my mind is still stuck on love. The other day I walked into a building to attend a meeting and noticed another...

Read more

Recently I’ve been thinking about love. Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but my mind is still stuck on love. The other day I walked into a building to attend a meeting and noticed another...

Read more

The Mental Health Benefits of Eating Pizza

Well, Niverville, here we are. With half a dozen pizza places in town, it’s time to ask ourselves the hard questions. Questions like, “Where do you want to get pizza tonight?” and “Where do...

Read more

Well, Niverville, here we are. With half a dozen pizza places in town, it’s time to ask ourselves the hard questions. Questions like, “Where do you want to get pizza tonight?” and “Where do...

Read more
Advertisement

A Wartime Christmas

My dad, Arthur Wilson, was born on December 16, 1938 in Sarnia, Ontario. Dad grew up in wartime and poverty. His dad had signed up for the war in 1939, the day after England declared war on Germany,...

Read more

My dad, Arthur Wilson, was born on December 16, 1938 in Sarnia, Ontario. Dad grew up in wartime and poverty. His dad had signed up for the war in 1939, the day after England declared war on Germany,...

Read more

Blackout Fairy Tale

Growing up, my Christmases consisted of two traditions each Christmas Eve. First, after dinner we would go to church where us kids would perform a play for all the adults. Second, my family would...

Read more

Growing up, my Christmases consisted of two traditions each Christmas Eve. First, after dinner we would go to church where us kids would perform a play for all the adults. Second, my family would...

Read more
Advertisement

Navigating Disagreements During the Holidays

In last month’s mental health column, we learned about the psychological foundations of morality. Today we continue the topic, focusing on how to navigate moral disagreements and conflicts with...

Read more

In last month’s mental health column, we learned about the psychological foundations of morality. Today we continue the topic, focusing on how to navigate moral disagreements and conflicts with...

Read more

Right or Wrong? The Psychological Foundations of Morality

Think of someone you have a minor difference of opinion with. These disagreements might be a matter of personal preference, with no clear right or wrong answer. For example, what’s your favourite...

Read more

Think of someone you have a minor difference of opinion with. These disagreements might be a matter of personal preference, with no clear right or wrong answer. For example, what’s your favourite...

Read more
Advertisement

Gender Ideology vs. Gender Science: What the Brain Tells Us

Recently, there has been an increase in dialogue and protests in Canada on the subject of “gender ideology” in schools. The opposing sides fall into two camps: those who think that discussing...

Read more

Recently, there has been an increase in dialogue and protests in Canada on the subject of “gender ideology” in schools. The opposing sides fall into two camps: those who think that discussing...

Read more

Not in My Backyard? In Defence of Community Support for Mental Health

Recently, a resident of the RM of Richot made a request at a council meeting to host a home-based business at their property. This business would conduct workshops in a rural, natural environment...

Read more

Recently, a resident of the RM of Richot made a request at a council meeting to host a home-based business at their property. This business would conduct workshops in a rural, natural environment...

Read more
Time until next issue
Citizen Poll

Is it prudent for Niverville’s council to encourage a broad shift to municipal water as soon as the government grants become available?

For related article, see https://nivervillecitizen.com/...