Ironically, in those ancient times the people had far less to gain in their selfless ways. The obedient common people who toiled day after day to serve their rulers rarely saw any reward for their selflessness. Meanwhile today, the individuals who do rise pay no respect to the system within which they rose, and often look at their government or culture as an adversary which they overcame, and take no concern in improving society's situation. These people actually are the reason why it is so difficult for others to succeed in the first place. There is, reasonably speaking, an amount of wealth or resources which one can posses which may sustain, or provide for that individual to live comfortably and happily for the rest of their life meeting all of their needs, and reasonable wants. It is when people exceed this limit, and posses more than they need which burdens society. Instead of using excess funds an average ego-centric person will continue to provide themselves with unnecessary wants. This takes resources away from others and limits what society can accomplish, and sustain as a whole.
Now I will not just make a complaint based on an observation of society and offer no remedy. I believe this can be changed simply redirecting our individualistic focus toward things that benefit ourselves but also benefit others. For example instead of buying say a million dollar yacht, creating a million dollar foundation which advances research or supports education. The foundation, if given the individuals name has the potential to do more good for the individual, by caring on the person's name and presence in society even after one dies, and it enhances the understanding and education of those helped by the foundation. Instead of asking, "what can I gain from this action?" Instead ask, "what can I and society gain?" This feeds our modern ego-centric appetite while also benefiting society. It is crucial that we return to value the benefits of others, because pure individualism is a dead end outlook on life. Even if everyone did gain all they desired people would still desire more if unconcerned for the well being of others. After all who would want to simply be the same as anyone else? In essence it would lead to the suffocation of society within its own success. People would continue to have more than others while consuming more resources, and depriving those who have less even more. Instead it may be advantageous for people to seek to advance society more, to gain fame and success by bettering society and others. Then our competitive nature is harnessed and used for a greater good.
