Motivations

Motivations. We all do or say certain things and sometimes we wonder why. What we need to do is examine our motivations. It is something I do and am surprised at what those motivations may be. Generally speaking whatever the motivation is, it is to benefit myself. That doesn't sound very nice but does have truth. I think we all do things hoping to effect a change. A change that will benefit us. That is not to say it will be detrimental to others, quite the contrary may be true, but it will be pleasing to us. It is a very difficult thing to decide to do something injurious to ourselves. Self sacrifice is a commendable attribute.
Some of us are motivated by fame, some wealth and some ideals. Of the three, ideals are the hardest to explain. Ideals are why we rant and rave against perceived injustices. Fame may destroy the individual, wealth may corrupt, but ideals can start wars ! It is when we are motivated by ideals that the real danger exists. It also when  the most good can be done. When we act in the best interest of the common cause not just our own cause.
Pure logic and rational thought would seem to be the best approach. Isn't that the premise behind the character of Spock on Star Trek ? The character often was shown to have no empathy, the human side being suppressed. The paradox there was the decisions made often benefited others more than himself. The whole " needs of the many " philosophy. Is that the best method ? Is that the approach that should be taken by public officials ? Is there no room for ideals in that scenario ? You could say that is why we vote. To express the needs of the many and decide upon that need. The reality is in everyday practice not everything is put to the popular vote. We could not operate that way but it would be ideal. Another paradox.
What motivates us ? Affirmation of our actions by others would seem to be the answer. The more people agree with us, the more we are motivated to proceed. I hear others say they are self motivated. They claim to do things just for the sake of doing them. I'm not going to say that isn't so, it could very well be, but it is not what I experience. I need feedback,encouragement and acceptance. The pursuit of an ideal is a slippery slope to travel upon. I would say I have spent far more energy and time in pursuit of some type of ideal than in pursuit of wealth or fame. I am not saying I am righteous but stating what I think to be truth. I would settle for fame and or fortune though. Motivations are the basis for priorities. What is your priority ? Now, there is another whole field to explore.