HappyMan

Being kind to others is beneficial to oneself in that it encourages others to be kind in turn. This inturn encourages cooporation and eases the difficulties that are associated with social living.

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teufelfisch

Amazingly, for once I agree with Mike. :P

If I give flowers to my girlfriend, there must be a motivation. Either I want ass, did something bad and don't want her to be mad at me, or it's a holiday. This is usually the case. What you're saying is that because there is a reason to give flowers, and an expectation of something in return (even if I simply want her to be happy), greed motivates me to give her flowers.

I agree, for the most part.

When greed disappears is when one no longer expects anything from the other person. Not even happiness at having received the flowers. Giving without expectation, of course, is nearly impossible to do, requires no judgment, and is something that very few people are capable of doing within a lifetime. However, I think that there are rare instances of 'no-greed.'

Now the reason I said I agree for the most part up there is that I think there are different types of greed. The flower-giving is one type-- I get something good, and she gets something good, too. We both benefit. The other type of greed is when the other person loses out. When one person gains at another person's expense, that is the 'evil' type of greed that everyone has a problem with.

However, if it weren't for both types of greed, our society would be nonexistant, as Mike said. Capitalism is based on competition, which is based on greed.

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HappyMan

greed may be an important evolutionary development. Acting in self interest in many ways helps the individual survive and reproduce.

MickityMike

Exactly. People seem to have this automatic distaste for greed, but often fail to recognize the good aspects of it.

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JTP

I think the reactions of people witness to accidents is pretty selfless. I can not count the number of times I have seen a complete stranger render assistence with no expectation of reward. At times it appears almost instinctual for some people to jump to the rescue of somebody else. I know of at least 6 different people who would be dead if not for the actions of complete strangers who, I promise you, had no time to consider any self grandisment.