From your studies and from personal experience, are human beings on average more likely to act emphatically, or selfishly? Please assume that the person in question has all of their personal needs met.

Question

anonymous · Answer

According to my Personal experiences, I can say most of the People I have ever met are more likely to act emphatically if their personal needs have been met up to some considerable levels.

anonymous · Answer

Humans have a hunter-gatherer mindset. We are selfish and opportunistic if our basic needs are not met, but once they are, we are more likely and willing to share what we have. If your community becomes better from your generosity, then you benefit more down the line.

anonymous · Answer

Humans are social animals with a developed capacity for altruism. This stems from "back in the day" when all humans lived in small groups where everybody knew everybody. There, altruism was a form of insurance: I help you now and you help me some day if I need it. Our ability to empathise with other people is a result of that.