The Remarkable Fools Letter

The Remarkable Fools Letter

on the virtue of selfishness

and the profound joy of saying no

Jim Dalling's avatar
Jim Dalling
Aug 12, 2025
∙ Paid

Oh the exquisit joys of selfishness - how great thou art!

Really dear reader, I just realized how great life currently is.

And the reason?

Pure, unadulterated selfishness.

Some say that the path to happiness is generosity.

I’d say that these folks suck donkey balls.

This troll’s tip?

Be more selfish.

About a month ago I was presented with a couple of opportunities to help people.

One woman needed a bedroom framed up in her basement.

Another needed a deck rebuilt.

And a third woman?

She needed a whole lot of odd jobs done at her house.

Though I expressed interest in these jobs initially, when push came to shove and the rubber needed to hit the road, I said ‘no’.

I was selfish.

I could have earned decent money in that time for my family.

I could have made a big difference in those ladies lives.

And?

I would have regretted and resented that choice. I would not have had any time to ride my bike, take naps after work or watch my children in their activities.

I would have spent all my time helping other peopl…

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