It is sometimes said that people who think only about themselves are happier because they get what they want. Others say that selfish people have no friends and are usually lonely. Why do you think some people act selfishly? Is it good to be selfish?

In reality, humans have always acted in their own self-interest. It is enormously interesting to examine the reasons for selfish behaviour, and

also

worth discussing whether putting our own interests, needs and desires ahead of those of our fellow-humans makes sense.

Selfishness

probably has a biological basis. Unless we are able to meet our basic requirements for food, warmth and shelter we will die. Anyone lacking a selfish gene probably would not survive long enough to re-produce. In the modern competitive world, we have to fight for what we want. We are constantly attempting to secure better resources or a better quality of life than those who surround us. We want the best job, the most comfortable house, the most luxurious car and, of course, the most attractive mate. These things can only be achieved if we compete against our colleagues, acquaintances, friends, neighbours, fellow-applicants or classmates. Behaving in

this

way can be beneficial. It makes us determined to achieve more. Most top

sport

Suggestion

sports

-stars, leading scientists, celebrities and business executives have been motivated to work hard by their

selfishness

.

Nevertheless

, we need to acknowledge a negative side:

selfishness

can lead us to become greedy, heartless and manipulative. If we only think about ourselves, we may lose our friends and even become evil. Clearly, humans need to limit their egotism and remember to be kind-hearted, generous and altruistic. Having thought about

this

issue in some depth, I have reached the view that

selfishness

is probably a natural human characteristic. In

moderation it

Accept comma addition

moderation, it

can be useful, but it certainly has a darker side. It would make sense for parents and teachers to instruct children in how to use

selfishness

positively and combine it with the equally human trait of kindness to others.