On the one hand -- I think that there is no better way to live life than trying to make other people happy. This is largely because in pleasing others, we mostly please ourselves. Altruism does not exist.

I repeat: ALTRUISM DOES NOT EXIST.

On the others, though -- if you spend forever trying to make other people happy, I think you learn to push aside and ignore your own needs.

How much of what we do is influenced by the fact that we know people are watching us?

I mean -- I drink my coffee black for three four reasons:
1. 100% less fat/calories than if I put something in it
2. that's how I really like it
3. the caffeine seems to be more effective that way
(4. yes, i am aware that it somehow makes me seem more...raw. somehow darker. less fluffy. more of a poet, probably)

And perhaps this desire to be seen as...something more is what has influenced my taste. I don't know. I can't really remember when I started drinking my coffee black. That's really not the point, though.

The point is that I am concerned with the lack of sincerity in this world. Everyone has ulterior motives, it seems. We are all out for something (be it sinister or otherwise). I find that concerning.