The world is composed of individuals embodying good and bad characteristics. Adopting this viewpoint could signify a real transformation, positioning one as a proponent of meaningful progress within their community. The actions that result in ultimate virtue or vice are always influenced by either an internal or external orientation. Two contrasting ideologies determine whether societies flourish or collapse:
- “What is there for me?”
- “What is there for others?”
These questions are not merely abstract—they define destinies. This is just as it is impossible to reach the goal located southwards when moving towards north. Vices such as envy, greed, and bitterness, which perpetuate endless wars, are a product of self-interest.
The Illusion of Self-Interest
At first glance, “What is there for me?” might seem noble—even patriotic—when tied to national pride. Such thinking fuels fierce loyalty to land and identity. Yet history reveals its danger. The vicious war currently bedeviling Ukraine is a classic example of this truism. Another example is the USA. The current president of the United States was elected on the mantra of making America great. It doesn’t need a genius to appreciate that that country is headed in the opposite direction.
There is no denying that the United States of America has long been the greatest superpower when compared to other nations. Unbeknownst to Donald Trump is that America has been great only because it has been carrying the burdens of other nations. He is currently pursuing the idea of making America great, but even in a shorter period of his ascendance, America is facing serious challenges. The more introverted a country becomes, the more problems it generates.
What is being projected here is like a scientific exposition. Unbelievable to many, the philosophy of self-centeredness is what emboldens criminals who exploit collective defense to evade justice. It discourages honesty, which prioritizes others and seldom resorts to self-preservation. Introspection consults other people’s interests rather than one’s own interests.
The question “What is there for others?” breeds integrity. Any person feels at home when in contact with such people. In business, it distinguishes thriving enterprises from failing ones. Poorly managed organizations ask, “What is there for us?”—a mindset that incubates corruption and inefficiency characterised by short-changing customers. Great organizations go out of their way to satisfy their customers and take stern measures to address any failure in such endeavors. There cannot be a successful business without applying this philosophy.
The Cost of Prioritizing Self Over Society
When individuals prioritize personal gain over communal welfare, they exacerbate the divide between the rich and the poor. Those seeking the root cause of Zimbabwe’s problems need look no further than the emphasis on self-interest. The poor are often branded as lazy, while the wealthy are deemed shrewd. This dynamic fosters friction, fuels resentment, and perpetuates unnecessary inequality, along with the accompanying vices that give rise to known societal ills. Nevertheless, at stake would be a lack of education.
Government failures frequently arise when leaders prioritize the accumulation of resources over serving their citizens. This behaviour exemplifies widespread corruption, yet critics of government officials may themselves harbour similar tendencies. When such individuals attain office, they often become even more corrupt. For example, the removal of Mugabe was initially celebrated, only for it to be regretted later as conditions worsened under subsequent leadership.
Imagine dishonesty masquerading as patriotism. A government that allocates a ministerial portfolio for disseminating propaganda, deemed essential with the sanction of the legislative assembly, raises questions about the very concept of “patriotism.” Self-interest exacerbates issues, and even in the absence of absolute notions of “right” or “wrong,” an excessive focus on self-interest distorts outcomes.
The Power of Service
Those fixated on “What is there for me?” often reap the opposite of their desires. Contrast this with the philosophy of Jesus:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, NIV).
This is altruism in its purest form—service without expectation. Followers of this principle sacrifice time, energy, and comfort for others. Imagine a world where everyone lived this way: human suffering would diminish, replaced by collective guardianship.
Yet, many cling to the Shona proverb: “Nhamo ye umwe hairamwirwe sadza” (“Another’s troubles are no reason to skip a meal”). This underscores a culture that disregards the suffering of others—a mentality that enables wrongdoing to flourish. Instead of seeking meaningful attitudinal change, modern Christians find solace in merely assigning blame to those in government. They assert that the issue is insurmountable, yet the persistence of such vices often stems from their own incompetence.
The Silence of the “Good”
Evil prevails when good people do nothing. Picture bystanders ignoring a defenseless woman’s assault, muttering, “Mind your own business.” Passivity enables inhumanity.
Religious leaders often decry the world’s wickedness while followers retreat into prayer without action. But faith without works is empty. Christians are called to “be the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)—to emulate Jesus, whose three-year ministry reshaped history.
A New Mindset for a New Era
Albert Einstein famously said:
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Those who claim goodness yet repeat selfish patterns embody this paradox. The future demands a new ethos:
- Ask not: “How can I benefit?”
- Ask instead: “How can I serve in ways that benefit others?”
These questions are as opposed as light and darkness. Jesus—revered not for divinity alone but for His service—proves this mindset is attainable. Yet how can one claim to follow Him while acting contrary to His example?
Final Appeal
Withhold judgment no longer. The choice is clear:
- “What is there for me?” leads to division and decay.
- “What is there for others?” builds a legacy of impact.
Which question will define your life?
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions that have led to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope in a simple conversational tone.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99