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How selfish is a human being.

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Harry

Harry Report 20 Aug 2005 11:00

How many actions and re-actions are down to self.? Is self the motivating factor in nearly all our actions? Is there anything wholly external in any of us. As a minor example, someone said when you pat a dog, do you do it to please the dog or yourself.? I like to think I am a 'good'person but when I analyse my actions and thoughts, I disappoint myself. Happy days

Unknown

Unknown Report 20 Aug 2005 11:10

Gosh you do come up with some deep questions, don't you? How far are we motivated by ego? Is this an inbuilt biological drive to ensure our survival? When would you put the needs of another before yourself - is being a devoted mother merely a way of ensuring your DNA survives for another generation? No idea. nell

~ Oleander

~ Oleander Report 20 Aug 2005 11:12

Well, Harry, I think with all certainty when the cat woke me this morning at 5.00am and stuck it's head under my hand I scratched his head to please him!! I do understand where you're coming from though Harry and will try and think of something much more intelligent to say when I am more awake!! Jacquie xxxx

Joan of Arc(hives)

Joan of Arc(hives) Report 20 Aug 2005 11:16

I must admit i've never felt that way. Nearly 100% of my actions/thoughts have been towards others, very rarely has anything i've done been for my benefit. Am I the most unselfish person I know? I guess I must be then, i'm sad to say. Or a complete mug which is how I look at me!!! :0) Joan xx

Harry

Harry Report 20 Aug 2005 11:23

Girls, thanks for your responses. From the first few replies ,in general , either I am analysing too much or you are not analysing enough. Hope it,s the former. By the way, firmly believe this channel needs the occasional 'deep' subject or am I am being egotistical again? Happy days

Louise

Louise Report 20 Aug 2005 11:34

Good question! I like a bit of deep thinking occasionally. I think the answer is a bit of both, take the pet fussing, I like to think the cat enjoys it but I like it too! It cements our friendship. I think that much of the stuff we do is for our benefit but also helps others. We feel good because we've helped them feel good if you see what I mean . So althrough we may be 'naturally' selfish we can still reach out in kind ways to those around us. This site is a good example, I want to do MY family tree, but if someone has a connection I'm happy to let them hace all the info I'VE collected. Selfish or sharing? Also all the wonderful giving people who help with questions and look ups, it doesn't benifit them, but they must enjoy doing it or why would they keep doing it? Any way, you get what I mean Louise

GillfromStaffs

GillfromStaffs Report 20 Aug 2005 11:43

Wendy i am impressed with that word (psychoneuroimmunology) never seen it before how did you remember how to spell it,lol Gill

GillfromStaffs

GillfromStaffs Report 20 Aug 2005 11:50

Well it impressed me.

Len of the Chilterns

Len of the Chilterns Report 20 Aug 2005 11:57

You are right to some extent, and in a cynical sort of way, but the logic is a bit bent. Our motivation is survival of the species, rather than the individual. Our love for our children, and the children of others, is genes-driven as they are our future. It does not follow that we love our genes but not our children. That would be the equivalent of saying all bombers are Muslim therefore all Muslims are bombers. Our regard for other species of animal is in the knowledge that we are inter-dependent. If I pat a dog or stroke a cat it is for mutual pleasure and, in an obscure way, an attempt at communication. Cor! that Wendy's a deep 'un. She's read Descartes. Lavoisier proved Decartes very wrong over some of his scientific philosophies. Should we conclude that he was wrong about everything? len

ButtercupFields

ButtercupFields Report 20 Aug 2005 11:59

Do not be disappointed with yourself, Harry! I am a selfish person. I take care of me. That makes me happy. Then I share my happiness with those around me, and that makes them happy! I am not responsible for another's happiness, and neither do I wish someone to be responsible for mine. Simplistic? Probably, but it works for me. BC

Unknown

Unknown Report 20 Aug 2005 12:03

Our strongest instinct is survival, either through ourself or our children. Therefore it is natural to assume that many of the things we do are because of 'selfishness' in its broadest meaning. There are other things we do which cost us, either financially, time, emotional or physical discomfort and for which we expect no benefit. However, we cannot discount the feelgood factor of knowing that we have helped someone, so I suppose you are right Harry.

Harry

Harry Report 20 Aug 2005 12:07

Once again, many thankls for your replies. all very interesting. Thank you BC for being totally frank. Yes I have read Descartes - he came up with one of my favourite expressions (and I hope no-one takes this personally, because this channel and perhaps the Sun newspaper is the embodiment of same) 'the public prefers selected garbage to fine art'. Absolutely true and a crime of which I am guilty at times Happy days