Entitlement: A Monster Born From Pride

Entitlement is an ugly beast that hides behind a veil of arrogance and self-importance. It stems from a belief that one is inherently superior and deserving of praise, respect, and admiration without effort or merit. The entitled individual believes they have the right to dictate who others should be, how they dress, who they love, what religion they practice, and more. The audacity of these people is astounding, and it leaves a path of destruction in its wake.

The Destruction Of Our Planet

Our planet is suffocating under the weight of entitlement. This mentality has driven us to exploit our natural resources without thought for the consequences, causing deforestation, pollution, and climate change. The entitled mind sees the world as its own personal playground, a place to be used and discarded as they see fit. They are unable to comprehend the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the dire consequences of their actions.

The Root Of Wars And Conflict

Entitlement is also at the heart of many conflicts and wars throughout history. When a group or individual believes they deserve power, land, or resources that belong to others, it becomes a breeding ground for aggression and violence. They justify their actions with a twisted sense of self-righteousness, blind to the suffering and devastation they inflict on innocent lives.

Entitlement In Everyday Life

While the consequences of entitlement on a global scale are catastrophic, it’s essential not to overlook the impact it has on our daily lives. Entitled people wreak havoc in their relationships and communities by demanding that their needs and desires are met, regardless of the cost to others. They lack empathy and compassion, placing themselves on a pedestal, immune to the struggles and pain of those around them.

Throughout my entire adult life, I have worked in customer service, navigating the treacherous waters of entitlement in the retail, food, and customer service industries. I’ve experienced firsthand the exhausting demands and outrageous expectations of customers who believe the world revolves around them. From the irate patron who insists on speaking to the manager because their coffee is not hot enough to the shopper who berates a store employee for not having their preferred brand in stock, I have witnessed the entitlement epidemic up close and personal. 

In these moments, it becomes painfully clear that people have lost sight of the fundamental values of kindness, patience, and understanding. I have learned to rise above these challenges and continue to serve with empathy and professionalism. Still, I cannot help but feel that our society is at a crossroads, and we must collectively reevaluate how we treat those who work tirelessly to meet our needs and wants.

The Antidote: Humility, Empathy, And Respect

Entitlement is indeed the poison of the planet. It is a cancer that eats away at the very core of our humanity. We must actively practice humility, empathy, and respect to counteract the poison of entitlement. We must be willing to recognize our own biases and be open to the perspectives and experiences of others. It is crucial that we challenge our assumptions, listen to different voices, and develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.