It is believed that humans act for different reasons; but for whom, or what, do or should they act? Is the reason humans act for themselves, for God, for the reaction of other people, or for the benefit of the planet? Is it even believable that we have a choice as to why we act and for whom? Is it possible for an individual to ever act only according to his or her own interests, without ever regarding others' interests? On the other hand, is it possible for an individual to ever truly act for the benefit and / or betterment of others in complete disregard for his or her own interests? An egoist would argue against that idea, because egoism states that an action is right if and only if said action promotes long-term, rational self-interest, as long as it obeys the moral side constraints. This would mean that Mother Theresa is helping the poor solely because it makes her feel good about herself. Although it may sound somewhat outlandish, it definitely rings true in some ears. Although I do not completely agree with egoism, it certainly does make sense and it is absolutely being displayed in the world around us. Whether humans are naturally born and necessarily selfish, in order to survive, and it is out of their control or it only makes sense to humans for them to act in favor of their self-interest, egoism stands true.
From early in our existence, all human beings become aware that it is satisfying to eat when they are hungry, sleep when they are tired and unpleasant to touch something that burns them. Humans become aware of this because eating stops their hunger pains; sleeping stops the feeling of tiredness and not touching the fire prevents pain due to burning. These sensations of pleasu ...