Germans want an end to selfishness
Are Germans selfish? The answer is a resounding no. 84 percent of German citizens say: "There is less and less room for selfishness in our society. We need to stick together more." This was the result of a recent survey by the BAT Foundation for Future Issues, for which 2,000 German citizens were interviewed in person.
In times like these, marked by crises, upheavals, and changes, there is no longer any room for egoists. All Germans agree on this point, regardless of age, gender, or place of residence. What is truly important to citizens is material security combined with social security. They are not seeking a constant increase in their standard of living, but rather prioritize a high quality of life. For this, they are also willing to accept limitations on their individual freedom.
This attitude is evident, for example, in social interactions: I'll help you if you help me. Building strong networks isn't just beneficial professionally; a reliable network is also helpful in almost every personal situation. Reciprocity is of central importance to the majority of German citizens.
Furthermore, it turns out that good social relationships are more important for personal well-being than material possessions. The more reliable contacts someone has, the more satisfied they are with their life. The concept of sustainability is therefore just as applicable to personal relationships as it is to business or the environment. The immediate environment, such as family and friends, plays a central role in this. Ninety percent of Germans say: "Whatever the future holds, for me, family is and will remain the most important thing in life."„
And neighborliness is also experiencing a renaissance. Especially in an aging society, mutual support is helpful and valuable. Sixty percent of Germans say they are rediscovering the value of their neighborhood because they increasingly feel dependent on one another. With fewer families and relatives living nearby, neighbors often take on family responsibilities. These range from social interaction to support when needed – whether watering plants while on vacation, helping with shopping, or spontaneous babysitting.
In summary, one can say: consistency replaces arbitrariness, and security arises from togetherness.
The age of pure self-centeredness and hedonism appears to be drawing to a close, being replaced by individuality and community. Citizens are prepared to fulfill obligations to the public while simultaneously considering their individual needs. Therefore, in the future there will be neither "just me" nor "just us," but rather "me and us.".
This attitude is evident, for example, in social interactions: I'll help you if you help me. Building strong networks isn't just beneficial professionally; a reliable network is also helpful in almost every personal situation. Reciprocity is of central importance to the majority of German citizens.
Furthermore, it turns out that good social relationships are more important for personal well-being than material possessions. The more reliable contacts someone has, the more satisfied they are with their life. The concept of sustainability is therefore just as applicable to personal relationships as it is to business or the environment. The immediate environment, such as family and friends, plays a central role in this. Ninety percent of Germans say: "Whatever the future holds, for me, family is and will remain the most important thing in life."„
And neighborliness is also experiencing a renaissance. Especially in an aging society, mutual support is helpful and valuable. Sixty percent of Germans say they are rediscovering the value of their neighborhood because they increasingly feel dependent on one another. With fewer families and relatives living nearby, neighbors often take on family responsibilities. These range from social interaction to support when needed – whether watering plants while on vacation, helping with shopping, or spontaneous babysitting.
In summary, one can say: consistency replaces arbitrariness, and security arises from togetherness.
The age of pure self-centeredness and hedonism appears to be drawing to a close, being replaced by individuality and community. Citizens are prepared to fulfill obligations to the public while simultaneously considering their individual needs. Therefore, in the future there will be neither "just me" nor "just us," but rather "me and us.".
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