Does everyone think of themselves?

[Letters]

It seems to me that, at least with the people I know, that faced with a life threatening situation, they would save themselves over someone else. Is it just me, or is everyone only out for themselves? It seems to me that, underneath all the niceness and the polite thank yous etc, most people don't give a rat's ass about someone else.

And it's not so much the not caring about someone, but the actual thought that one should protect them self over someone else that gets me. That, if they had a gun, and were facing a hostage situation, the person would shoot anyway, or simply run away. Thoughts?

[OddlyPoetic]

Just because everyone isn't some marytr doesn't mean they don't care about other people.

[quagmire690]

s aspecies we are a very self centered thing... even in the idea of friendship a lot of it will always comedown to the idea of me me me...

[Kittykylie]

At 10/3/09 07:33 PM, Letters wrote: It seems to me that, at least with the people I know, that faced with a life threatening situation, they would save themselves over someone else. Is it just me, or is everyone only out for themselves? It seems to me that, underneath all the niceness and the polite thank yous etc, most people don't give a rat's ass about someone else.

And it's not so much the not caring about someone, but the actual thought that one should protect them self over someone else that gets me. That, if they had a gun, and were facing a hostage situation, the person would shoot anyway, or simply run away. Thoughts?

Its weird, since ive become a mum i would literally die for my hubby and children where as before i didnt give a shit and cared about myself. The brains a weird thing.

[Letters]

At 10/3/09 07:35 PM, OddlyPoetic wrote: Just because everyone isn't some marytr doesn't mean they don't care about other people.

But how can you say that? That's still saying you or I would value ourself much more than the person we supposedly "care" about.

[Lost-Chances]

Welcome to society and humanity, enjoy your stay.

[Leidolfr]

At 10/3/09 07:35 PM, OddlyPoetic wrote: Just because everyone isn't some marytr doesn't mean they don't care about other people.

When push comes to shove, people are generally good.

key word, generally

[Zecampeao]

what?

[TheSilverGuitar]

My life is completely boring and unsatisfying and I would gladly give it up, whether to benefit another's life or not, but certainly not to harm.

I don't want to commit suicide, because that's dumb, but if I was at gunpoint I'd let whoever's pointing the weapon kill me.

[Letters]

At 10/3/09 07:38 PM, Zecampeao wrote: what?

Would you sacrifice yourself knowing you would save the life of another, or would you watch someone die so you could continue your existence. Extremely straight forward scenario.

[Unimportant]

Instinctual reactions are not always logically based. Part of the brain is already acting to get you out of a dangerous situation, before you even have time to think about what is happening. It's not that you don't "care" about the person, but rather that your self preservation instinct cares more about you.

[StrangelyMauled]

At 10/3/09 07:38 PM, Lost-Chances wrote: Welcome to society and humanity, enjoy your stay.

Exactly. Not everyone is a martyr too man. Doesn't mean everyone is bad. They just want to save themselves. The real question is did they get a chance to save someone else? And did they if yes?

[Evark]

Of course. Faith in others can be misplaced, but faith in yourself can only lead to personal betterment. It's a natural development.

As for the situation where you're faced with an either/or in terms of your life and someone elses: I'd probably choose me. I'm my own person and my lot in life isn't tributary to another's.

There's nothing selfish about that. Everyone's got their own life to lead.

[Ultor]

Im ok with myself I mean I dont hate myself but im not obsessed either. Nobody should completely loathe themselves you know what I mean?

[sixonenine]

Yeah, dude, no one gives a shyt about anyone but themselves. There are a few people that care but just a few...and besides your talkin' to the wrong crowd!!!! This is NG son!!!!! Where no one gives a shyt about anyone!!!!

Lets get things straight!!!! I DONT LIKE YOU AND YOU DONT LIKE ME!!!!....

[Letters]

At 10/3/09 07:42 PM, Evark wrote: I'm my own person and my lot in life isn't tributary to another's.

There's nothing selfish about that. Everyone's got their own life to lead.

So, you can say that for everyone then. Be it your mother, father, siblings, wife etc. Clearly there is no difference then, from what you're saying.

[Aci6]

Sounds like only your friends.

[Bendt]

I'm sorry man,
but how egoistical this may sound..
Sometimes you just gotta think about yourselves.

[putzpie]

TC, you're a fucking idiot.

Just because you won't take a bullet to the face for someone doesn't mean you don't care about them.

[Evark]

At 10/3/09 07:44 PM, Letters wrote: So, you can say that for everyone then. Be it your mother, father, siblings, wife etc. Clearly there is no difference then, from what you're saying.

Well, no. I did include 'probably' in my post. Because that decision isn't mine to make until such time as I actually find myself in any hypothetical situation proffered. You can't make a catch-all that exposes someone's character, nor can your specificity guarantee the accuracy of their appraised response.

Anyway, family tends to blur the lines somewhat. People tend to see what's in the best interest of their family as in line with their own best interests. Why? Because we have a natural drive to preserve ourselves. If not oneself, our family, if not our family, our friends/neighbors, if not our neighbors; our peers, acquaintances, nation, etc.

By the same token, it doesn't do to condemn someone for what you deem to be selfish. It makes you a cynic, and nobody can claim to know another's true intentions. It's a false and often hypocritical way to live a life.

[Infuritaion]

If your best friend died, wouldn't you feel lower than dirt?

Its true, most people look out for themselves. Its called instinct and survival. If a man with a gun came into a room and started shooting, you would duck for cover, wouldn't you? You can't get everyone out of the way of harm, it doesn't mean you don't care about them.

We as humans, like every other species, get this thing called adrenaline. It saves our butts.

[Hydecka]

If the person was younger than me. Maybe.