Do you think people are more selfish instead of selfless?

Question

Or vice versa?

Overall, I think more people need to be selfless -- be a giver than a receiver, practice random acts of kindness or even volunteer. In other words, they should think of others and not themselves. It just seems like we live in a self-centered society. People need to redirect their focus. What do you all think?

Answer 1

We were born with selfish instincts. In many ways it's a necessity for survival. If a child didn't have the instinct not to stick their hand in the fire. Is that so bad. Selflessness is accomplished. We have to overcome our selfishness to do that. For some people it's not that easy. Me? I have been trough hard times and I can symphatize. I grew up in a family that helped others and my profession is going to be just that. Helping those less fortunate. Doesn't mean that i still don't fight the instinct to be selfish at times. We have to realize it OK to feel that, it's your actions that count. And most people that have done a good deed will not go around bragging about it so you don't hear about it as much.

Answer 2

I don't believe there is such a thing as selfless. I think every action is done for a selfish reason.

Many people act selfless in order to be rewarded in the afterlife. They do it for what it gets them.

Random acts of kindness? Makes the doer feel good that he/she is helping others. Again, it's about the doer.

I agree that we are most certainly in a self-centered society but each individual is able to choose what they do and why.

Answer 3

I think there are a lot of selfless people out there who try to help people all they can in a stressful and difficult world. They hardly ever get the credit they deserve because many times they are so busy living their lives trying to do the right thing, they don't spend time talking about what they do all the time.

Answer 4

You've got some great points there Inquisitive 2! Can you imagine how different the world would be if we as the people who inhibit the Earth all lived bt The Golden Rule? If we could only always remember to treat others as we would like to be treated ,then there would finally be Peace and Goodwill towards all Mankind. If more and more people lived this way,eventually it would rub off on others and the world would be a better place to live in.

Answer 5

We all contain a combination of both, to one extent or another. I agree more selflessness would be good, but there is a lot now, really. It doesn't get much media coverage, though.

Answer 6

I think it's both and equal. But selfishness and selflessness outweigh each other occasionally by 5% sometimes.

Answer 7

I agree that selfishness is at an all time high in the U.S. we are a very spoiled society and are oblivious to whats happening in other countries.