dont you think that when it comes to real life situations that most people are selfish?

Answer 1

yes

everything a person does is rooted in selfishness. even his/her desire to "help" someone else..

does "selfishness" mean that there are no other beneficiaries of ones actions? nope.

Answer 2

For the most part, yes, but not always obviously. In a survival situation most people will instinctually try to help others which can mean putting their own life at greater risk. Even then, selfish motives could be, and often are, involved...especially when thinking of it in the "selfish gene" sense.

Answer 3

Absolutely. I think it's human nature. Look at children. They are born completely selfish and it's not until we teach them otherwise that they learn to share and have compassion for others. Unfortunately, some people were either never taught that lesson or ignored it. As a result, we have some adults who are quite selfish.

Answer 4

Selfishness is one of those "natural" conditions. Me, Me, Me, Me, I want, I need. If you mean in day-to-day situations, I agree. Selfishness is what causes people to live with people they're not married to, have sex just because "it feels good," but it destroys two lives in the process.

People take money they haven't earned, demand to be "kept" instead of wanting to take care of others in an appropriate way, then they stand and deny that any of that is wrong. Selfishness, self-centeredness, and egotism are signs of stunted emotional maturity, diminished integrity, and the inability to have honor for one's self or anyone else.

Answer 5

I think that people DO act in selfish ways, but it is a fact that many wise people have learned they can get enjoyment out of thinking of others and doing for others. People who know this are helping the world be a better place while getting personal gratification at the same time.

I'm showing my age here, but when I was a little child it was easier to learn consideration for others. We were forced to be considerate in our one-bathroom, one-television, one-car, one-telephone homes. We HAD to learn how to think of others. Today we are all isolated and self-centered in our little iPod worlds. Coincidence?

Answer 6

Yes. I also believe that everything a sane person does has selfish motives, even when they are being generous and attempting not to be selfish.

Answer 7

Yes! I think selfishness is the greatest motivator. You can do the right things for the wrong reason (for selfishness) which makes it wrong.

Answer 8

Probably, at least to some degree. It's our nature...do what is best for ourselves...take the easy path...avoid emotional or physical pain... (this is all in general, mind you).

Selfishness can be taken to an extreme...but it's a bit necessary as well...if we don't look out for ourselves, who will?

Answer 9

totally, and do you know why?

Its biological in my opinion.- survival of hte fittest. we want to get ourselves taken care of first, so that we can ensure survival ( or in today's society, we can ensure that we are taken care of first... )

thats the innate problem with religion's teachings to be selfless and sharing... it goes against human nature to be selfish... but, it is a GREAT idea and a great teaching and I wish more Americans lived by it... the world would be a WAY more peaceful, happier place!

Answer 10

Dinitely. I think people have this fear of not getting anything else. If they don't get whatever it is now they might not ever get the chance again. The secret is to help everyone get what they need not to take everything you want.