Tired...

This life is so hard. It seems no matter how we decide to live it, nothing comes easily; every action requires some sort of effort exerted and consequences are always included in the package.
Serving. So much easier said than done. I suppose that's a given, though. Yet, after some thought, one might reflect that selfishness takes quite a toll also. Imagine it. There is no way for a person to be so dishonorable, without contributing some sort of effort. For either path then, good or bad, one must sacrifice something. So why do so many choose the wrong one?
I think it may be because doing good appears to produce disadvantages that weigh out any benefits. We seem to be naturally selfish, and most desire to keep to our innate philosophies.
As humans, we thrive on gratitude. We hope to gain praise from great accomplishments, and recognition for good deeds. Sometimes I wonder whether, at times, our hospitality and courtesy is only driven by our desire to be gratified, needed even. We take comfort in the fact that others could not achieve certain goals without our assistance, that our existence allows others to survive also. Of course, not many think of it that way, but surely, it's true.
Think about those times when you decide to serve someone else, instead of yourself for a change. Afterwards, don't you feel great about yourself? Doesn't it make you feel giddy, and, you must admit, you may feel a bit smug. Of course, this isn't revealed on the outside, but inside you think, "I just did something great." Now think about how this situation would make you feel if the one you served showed absolutely no gratitude toward you, nor acknowledged your feat? Would this cause your sudden fire of pride to extinguish, as soon as it came? Does this mean that we are wholeheartedly influenced by our resulting reward?
Isn't it horrible to think of it that way? I know, jeez you'd think I was trying to plunge you into a pit of despair, but honestly, what motivates our want to help?
It should be only one thing. Yet we are neglectful in this simplicity, because of our blindness. How sad.

Added: I actually found a really appropriate quote for this post, and by chance too! :)
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
- Samuel Johnson