To think people are generally selfish?

[jennymanara]

I think most people are selfish. Yes that selfishness extends to their kids and immediate family, but few people really seem to think of others outside of that.

Yanbu..selfish gene theory etc. I think it is natural to look put for oneself. Probably why we are in a mess though.

I don't think it is natural at all. Lots of evolutionary theory shows that humans have only survived for much of human history by co-operating.

Well most people have boundaries, yes.

My immediate family (children, parents, siblings) absolutely do come before anyhing and anyone else.

What I mean is that most people really don't care about anyone beyond their immediate circle

Few people genuinely do. The kind of bonding which occurs within families doesn't really stretch outside.

Otherwise people would neglect their families in favour of relative strangers.

Bonding is a biological reality for a reason.

Even partners generally come behind parents and dependants/siblings in functional families.

I think that is the reality, but it doesn't have to be. I do care about other people beyond my immediate family and friends. It affects the volunteering I do, how I help strangers, the way I vote, a lot of things.

Sure, plenty of people do, but I'd bet you don't care about them as much.

A degree of selfishness is a good thing.

And lots of people who don't volunteer/vote the way you do/help strangers are constrained by factors other than selfishness.

Do what you can/want to, and don't ascribe to others motives meaner than your own.