Why Humans Are Naturally Selfish Introduction ✓ Solved

Human beings are naturally self-centered and selfish. They have a basic drive for self-preservation and power. Being naturally selfish, all their activities are at first directed towards the gratification of the self. Selfishness regularly results in cruelty in the testament of subordinates, be they servants or animals. The theory that human beings are so constituted by nature to the extent that they are incapable of desiring or pursuing anything but their own wellbeing as an end in itself is referred to as psychological egoism (Flescher, Worthen, and Worthen 60).

If real morality needs selfless devotion to other people even at the cost of one’s own interests, then all human beings have failed the morality test. It is impossible to serve the interest of everyone to the extent of denying one the basic requirements of decency. Most psychological egoists seek some ways to reconcile necessarily selfish motivation with the unselfish and even self-sacrificing conduct needed by morality. However, the act of completely surrendering personal good for the benefit of public good may result in self-ruin. Therefore, human beings must be inherently selfish for them to survive in an extremely competitive world.

Human beings are products of natural selection, and as such, are not altruistic in any way. It would be wrong to behave altruistically in an environment that operates on the basis of the principle of survival for the fittest (Berry, 2). Even during conception, it is only the strongest and most competent sperm that succeeds in fertilizing the ovary. If it were possible to behave altruistically, it would be wrong to do so. It is only natural to be selfish at all times and in all matters, since selfish conduct is ethically justifiable.

Altruism is essentially a violation of the laws of nature (Robinson 1). This is because all actions are often motivated by selfish interests. Even when humans are perceived to be helping out the weak, they do so with the primary motive of helping the self. While people generally work together to pursue collective dreams, there are instances of selfish behaviors that cannot be overlooked. For instance, in the classic Prisoner’s Dilemma, there are fewer chances of people’s willingness to set aside their selfish interests in order to arrive at a greater good (Pappas 2).

Being selfish is often more beneficial than cooperating. The advantage may be short-lived, however. In Plato’s Republic, Socrates is involved in a discussion with his older brother Glaucon. In this extensive discussion, Glaucon stresses the idea that people’s positive behavior essentially exists for self-interests. From these arguments, it can be deduced that people only do the right things because they are afraid of facing tough punishments in the event that they are found guilty.

If human activities would have been invisible to other people, then even the most righteous and supposedly generous man on earth would behave purely in the basis of serving himself and not take care if he harmed anybody in the process. According to Thomas Hobbes, a renowned English philosopher, the natural state of man’s life would be unattractive, nasty, and short if he had not pursued selfish interests. The very urge of humans to form governments explains their selfish interests (Pappas 2). From the arguments proposed by Hobbes, human beings should form social contracts and governing institutions in order to deter their selfish interests and violent tendencies from taking over. Thus, such institutions have been formed after acknowledging that humans are naturally born selfish and are likely to make their selfishness infringe on other people’s rights.

To avoid this tendency, humans must form laws, institutions, and groups that seek to safeguard their well-beings. If humans had not been inherently selfish, then all societal problems could have ended. The primary cause of all societal problems is selfishness and the pursuit of personal interests. While the world is rich with resources that can help all humans, there is still a high population of poor, landless, homeless, and hungry people who cannot afford to raise money to fend for their lives. The income inequality that the United States is facing today has been brought about by individualistic capitalist systems (Chandler 1).

This explains why a rich man who owns thousands of hectares of land is not still ready to accommodate a vast population of homeless people. Moreover, everybody wants to get ahead, but they do that in ways that may harm others. For instance, climate change is brought about by greedy human activities that include pollution to pursue profit at the expense of human and animal life. Coal companies continue to emit toxic gases that cause cancer and other lower respiratory infections since they put profit ahead of human life. These cases attest to the selfish nature of human beings.

The deviant, Machiavellian behaviors that humans exhibit regularly have been brought by natural causation. Even during their infancy, some children have been known to be naturally good at playing with other people’s minds (Chandler 2). These people will do anything within their power and capacity to get ahead of others and have a callous disregard for other individuals’ feelings and state of the mind. Thus, it is no surprise that many people are often calculative and ready to exploit others’ vulnerabilities for self-gain.

Paper For Above Instructions

Selfishness is one of the natural behaviors that human beings possess. Contrary to the common belief that selfishness is an acquired trait, humans are born selfish since they are products of natural selection that is based on the premise of survival for the fittest. Furthermore, the clamor for fame and material possession is sometimes done without regard for other people’s well-beings. This paper explores the inherent selfishness of human beings through various lenses, including philosophical, psychological, and evolutionary perspectives.

From an evolutionary standpoint, the concept of selfishness is deeply rooted in human biology. Natural selection favors traits that enhance reproductive success. Human beings, much like other species, are driven by instincts that prioritize their own survival and reproduction. In this context, self-preservation becomes an essential motivator, propelling individuals to seek benefits that directly contribute to their survival (Buss, 2005). This inherent drive may manifest in behaviors that are perceived as selfish, including competition for resources and even manipulation of social dynamics to achieve personal goals.

Philosophically, psychological egoism presents a compelling argument for the notion that humans are inherently selfish. This theory posits that all human actions are motivated by self-interest, even in situations that appear altruistic (Flescher, Worthen, and Worthen 60). For instance, when someone donates to charity, it may be driven by an underlying desire for social approval or a positive self-image. The implications of psychological egoism challenge the assertion that true altruism exists, suggesting instead that all actions—regardless of appearance—are ultimately self-serving (Robinson, 2014).

Furthermore, social and economic factors contribute to an environment where selfishness is rewarded. In a capitalist society, individuals are encouraged to pursue personal gain, often at the expense of the collective. This individualism creates a landscape where competition supersedes cooperation. Researchers indicate that such socioeconomic structures reinforce selfish behaviors, as individuals navigate a system that rewards those who prioritize their interests above all else (Chandler, 2016). The paradox is that while collaboration can lead to better outcomes for society at large, the cultural narrative often champions self-advancement over communal well-being.

The link between selfishness and societal problems is evident. Many crises—such as income inequality and climate change—stem from an unforgiving focus on personal gain. Wealth concentration often means that while some individuals amass significant resources, others suffer from destitution and marginalization (Berry, 2016). Hence, the structural inequalities in society can be traced to a collective selfishness that permeates human interactions and systems.

Moreover, the impact of technology and social media further complicates the discourse on human selfishness. The amplified nature of online interactions can lead to a culture of comparison and competition, reinforcing selfish tendencies (Pappas, 2017). People are often pressured to present an idealized version of themselves online, which can lead to exploitative behaviors as individuals prioritize their online persona over genuine relationships and community engagement (Robinson, 2014).

However, it is also important to acknowledge that while selfishness may be a natural tendency, humans possess the capacity for empathy and altruism. Instances of collective action in response to humanitarian crises illustrate that selflessness can surface, challenging the idea that selfishness is an unyielding trait. The tension between inherent selfishness and moments of self-sacrifice leaves room for growth and potential redefinition of human interactions (Graham & Nafukho, 2008).

In conclusion, while various perspectives indicate that human beings are fundamentally selfish, it is crucial to navigate these discussions with an understanding of the complexities of human nature. Acknowledging the evolutionary and psychological foundations of selfishness provides insight into human motivations, while recognizing the potential for empathy encourages a broader perspective on human behavior. In the pursuit of a balanced existence, societies must address the structures that reinforce selfishness while fostering environments that promote collective well-being.

References

• Berry, William. “You're So Selfish.” Psychology Today, 19 Apr 2016. Web.
• Chandler, Lori. “Study: Brains of Selfish People Immediately Seek to Exploit Others.” Big Think, 2016. Web.
• Flescher, Andrew Michael, Daniel L. Worthen, and Daniel Worthen. The Altruistic Species: Scientific, Philosophical, and Religious Perspectives of Human Benevolence. Templeton Foundation Press, 2007.
• Graham, C. M., & Nafukho, F. M. (2008). Exploring Organizational Learning Mechanisms in Small-Size Business Enterprises. New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, 22(1), 4-23.
• Pappas, Stephanie. “Conflicts of Interest: Are Humans Inherently Selfish?” Live Science, 23 Feb 2017. Web.
• Robinson, Matthew. “Are People Naturally Inclined to Cooperate or Be Selfish?” Scientific American, 1 Sep 2014. Web.
• Buss, D. M. (2005). The Evolution of Human Behavior. In Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology. Wiley.