We have a tremendously potent key here. If in truth the universe groans under the burden of selfish acts and thoughts, we are responsible insofar as we have individually contributed to that weight. Every one of us is human, every one of us has mixed motives to a degree, but we have a grand ideal of constantly endeavoring to make our lives truly altruistic. This is a goal that cannot be attained in a single lifetime, but it is a goal that we must never give up. It must be the predominating and overruling influence in our lives and, if we can aspire toward this, then we can have confidence that at least a larger expression of unselfishness than of its opposite will flow forth from us.
Selfishness is hostile to the growth of the soul.
It is inimical to the growth of mankind, because it is a turning in upon oneself. Conversely, not thinking ourselves to be of first importance releases the light from within, and the light which flows into our souls does not stay within our own radius. It bursts the barriers of our personalities and sends a radiance into the lives of many, many others. In like manner the opposite is true, and for this also we are responsible. In fact, pessimism has eroded much of the confidence of our civilization.