Sunday, April 28, 2013

Hobbes & Rousseau

After reading Classical Conservative and Liberal Theories of Human Nature: Hobbes and Rousseau, I can come to the conclusion that I agree with Rousseau's optimism regarding his view of human nature.

I do things not because it is what society has taught me, or because I'm looking for something in return, but I enjoy the satisfaction I receive when I help someone in need. One could argue that because I enjoy this satisfaction, I'm getting something out of helping someone- this very well could be true, however, I don't think of it in this way.

Take an altruist for example, this person has self-interest and investments in becoming a self altruist, they feel good about helping others. However, the egoists only care about themselves. We as human beings, are pleasure seeking machines, but I believe that if you truly care about someone, you can do something for them without thinking of yourself first.

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