Do you believe that most people act according to their own self-interest? Is acting only according to your self-interest a good strategy in life? (mander.xyz)

submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by gay_sex@mander.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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An argument can be made that all actions people take are for their own self-interest. Even things like helping the community is done for reciprocal benefits for yourself plus the general increase in respect.

Another point is that if all people just act for their own self-interest, they will have a better life themselves, and if everyone does the same, some sort of proper balance will be achieved.

I have been having some occasional discussions with my friends over this. I personally disagree, but would love to hear what others have to say. Feel free to discuss!

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[-] ProfessorOwl_PhD@hexbear.net 2 points 5 days ago

It deeply upsets and enrages me

But why? It doesn't affect you. It isn't in your self interest to be upset by those things, it just makes you feel bad. Wouldn't it be more reasonable to say that you are simply able to feel and act selflessly rather than invent a form of self interest that involves caring about other people?

[-] Ithorian@hexbear.net 2 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I think i get what you're saying but isn't empathy a basic human emotion. Obviously stronger in some people then others but it's not something that can be just switched off. I suppose i could willfully ignor what's going on. Which in someways i guess i am doing...

[-] ProfessorOwl_PhD@hexbear.net 2 points 5 days ago

Absolutely it is, and it even seems to be hard coded in many non communal species, like the wombats that open their burrows to other animals during Australian wildfires, but empathy isn't powered by the idea of reciprocation. It's an inherently selfless feeling that doesn't consider either direct or indirect benefits for the self, and it doesn't make sense to say that acting on those selfless feelings, against your self interest, is itself selfish.

this post was submitted on 09 Jun 2025

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