On page 172, Lottie claims that “people put their interest ahead of others’, even in times of tragedy…Self-interest always takes precedence.” Do you think this is true? Why or why not?
I don’t agree with Lottie. She put herself before others, self-preservation. My guess is that most BB members have endured hardships and moved others’ wellbeing to their daily forefront. “That person first, then attend to me.”
I agree with NanK, most people are kind and do not view things only through a self-interest. But there are some people, that are rather shocking in how little regard they have for others. Don’t we all know about someone who has stolen from a charity?
I disagree with the premise that “people put their interest ahead of others”. Unfortunately, some people do, but I like to think that the preponderance of the population does not. In our environment we see many examples of people with power putting their interests above others. It only leads to misery and loss for those who are being diminished by the actions of the powerful.
I think very few people are altruistic. Most people are motivated by their own sense of purpose. Most people do not see things through other peoples eyes to even know how others feel. I think this is a behavior that is learned - one learns to see things their own way - to believe they are right, due to custom or tradition.We are taught to have a closed mind and believe that ‘our way’ is the correct way. Self preservation - of oneself or ones family and close friends - will always win out. Right? Wrong? Again a learned behavior.
That’s the way she sees the world so she imposes her perceptions on those around her.
Some people do behave that way. Because they are selfish. We all know at least a few.
But not everyone behaves that way, thankfully.
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I don’t agree with Lottie. Yes, there are people who do only think of themselves with little or no regard for others. I don’t think that applies to the majority of individuals though. We try to do our best which definitely is self-interest . However, most of us don’t live our lives putting others at risk, or killing them!
Well I think like most generalizations, it is true of some but certainly not everyone! Depends on personality and relationships.
Just my opinion:
I used to think that often, people will put others’ interests before their own. However, since the beginning of COVID-19, I was shocked by the division between people who were vaccinated vs those who were not vaccinated. Both sides were sure the other side was putting their interests ahead of the entire population. Worse, after COVID was over, the division of interests didn’t stop; it’s now about politics.
I think we generally find what we seek. If we believe that people act in their own self-interest we can find plenty of evidence to support that belief. On the other hand, if we believe that people are motivated by their “better angels,” we can find plenty of evidence for that as well. A cursory look at the headlines will supply daily examples of both.