Self-sacrifice

   
     Giving up your life, helping others meet their needs while yours are not met, developing the potential of others while curbing your own, risking your life even to the point of death - this idea of self-sacrifice should be questioned.  We need to consider what individual, group, or cause is benefited when we sacrifice ourselves.
     Governments benefit when soldiers are willing to kill the enemy and risk injury and death for a cause decided upon by others.  Parents who sacrifice so the next generation can reach their potential may only be teaching their children to continue the pattern of procreation as the ultimate goal instead of developing their own potential.  Down through history, servants and women have been pressured to serve their masters, their husbands.  The powerful often flourish at the expense of underlings.
     Many religions are based on putting aside "selfish" needs even unto death.  Giving up your life in order for someone else to live and develop is seen as the highest act of love.
     Religious or not, you have one life here on earth, a few decades to know and love yourself in order to survive, develop, and be all you can be.  The Army uses this slogan to encourage young people to give up years of their lives to develop military skills that will certainly benefit the goals of the army first, the individual second.
     Value your life; don't give it away.  You are as important as anyone else and need to use your freedom to develop your own path.  As people develop their own potential, they will be much more equipped to benefit society.