The belief of some that “people are basically good” and of others that “people are basically selfish” do NOT contradict each other. I believe that “people are BASICALLY good, up to that moment when that goodness comes into direct conflict with their SELFISH interests”. One may be pleased by the good fortune of another, but on realizing that the other’s good fortune does harm to MY good fortune, opinions change radically.
A civilized man does NOT set out to harm another for absolutely no purpose. However, when he sets out to further his own purpose and fortune and in the process hurts someone else...well...sorry about that. It is called HUMAN NATURE.
“A civilized man does NOT set out to harm another for absolutely no purpose. However, when he sets out to further his own purpose and fortune and in the process hurts someone else...well...sorry about that. It is called HUMAN NATURE.”
If that’s human nature, I’d rather not be human.