123 School Work

SELFISH vs ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR

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  SELFISH vs. ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR
  
  Are people selfish? This is a very complex question which has been repeatedly argued by many scientists from different disciplines for centuries. As a person who has studied economics, I am inclined to look selfish behavior from this point of view.
  
  During the eighteenth century, a ground-breaking economic system was introduced by Adam Smith in his famous work, Wealth of Nations. His model was later regarded as capitalism. In a notable passage of his work, Smith says, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." (Smith, p. 15, Collier edition, 1902).
  
  In capitalism, people are ultimately regarded as selfish individuals who follow their self-interest...