Why Are Humans Not Driven by Self-Interest? The Truth Behind Our Actions

The Myth of Self-Interest: Understanding Human Motivation

Well, you’ve probably heard the common saying that humans are inherently selfish and driven by self-interest. It's a concept that many people take for granted—whether in economics, psychology, or even day-to-day conversations. But, honestly, I’ve always felt a little skeptical about this idea. Don’t get me wrong, self-interest is a part of us, sure. But is it the driving force behind everything we do?

The more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that humans are much more complex than just being motivated by selfish needs. I had a conversation with my friend Sarah last week, and we both agreed that while we sometimes act out of self-interest, our decisions are often influenced by empathy, social bonds, and values. I want to explore this deeper because it’s something that really challenges what most people assume about human nature.

The Role of Empathy in Human Behavior

Empathy Over Self-Interest

Actually, if you really pay attention to how humans behave in difficult situations, you’ll see empathy at play. Take a look at acts of kindness, charity, or even the way parents care for their children. These actions aren't always self-serving, right? They often require sacrifice, time, and effort—things that don’t directly benefit the person doing the act.

I’ve personally experienced this on a small level. There have been times when I’ve stayed up late helping a friend with a problem, even though it meant I’d lose sleep and suffer a little the next day. Why? Because I wanted to help, because it felt good to be there for them. It wasn’t a rational decision driven by self-interest. It was driven by empathy and connection.

Altruism: Beyond Self-Interest

It’s kind of wild when you think about it. Altruism—the act of doing something for others without expecting anything in return—shows us that we’re not always motivated by what benefits us. There are countless examples in history where people have sacrificed their lives for others or fought for causes that didn’t offer personal rewards.

This altruistic side of us contradicts the idea that humans are only motivated by self-interest. My friend Mark recently told me about a documentary he watched where individuals risked everything to save strangers. These people weren't expecting to get anything back, yet they acted because of compassion and a shared sense of humanity. If self-interest were the sole motivator, such extreme actions wouldn't make sense, right?

Social Bonds and the Desire for Connection

Humans Are Social Creatures

Honestly, as much as self-interest plays a part in our decisions, humans are fundamentally social beings. Our actions are deeply influenced by the relationships we build, the communities we belong to, and the connections we share with others. We often make decisions that benefit the group over ourselves.

Think about it. Whether it’s helping a friend move, pitching in at work, or caring for an elderly relative, these actions often come at the expense of our personal time or comfort. Why? Because humans have this innate drive to belong, to connect, and to support one another.

I remember a time when I helped organize a charity event with a group of friends. It was exhausting, and honestly, I didn't get much rest during that period. But the satisfaction of knowing that we were contributing to a meaningful cause made it all worth it. I wasn't thinking about how this event would benefit me personally. Instead, I was thinking about the impact on others—and that felt good.

The Influence of Society and Culture

Another thing to consider is how society shapes our behavior. From a young age, we are taught to cooperate, share, and put the needs of others alongside our own. Social norms and cultural values can override pure self-interest. Sure, there are people who are driven by power and wealth, but there are also countless people who choose paths of service and community-building because that’s what they’ve been taught to value.

I know I’ve been deeply affected by the values my parents and teachers instilled in me. They taught me that helping others and being kind were the ultimate rewards. And I think it’s important to recognize how our environment shapes us. When we help others, it’s not always out of self-interest—it’s because it’s a value we believe in.

The Complexity of Human Motivation

Self-Interest is Only One Piece of the Puzzle

In the end, I’ve come to the conclusion that while self-interest is certainly a factor in our decisions, it’s far from the only one. Humans are driven by a mixture of emotions, social influences, values, and desires to connect with others. Self-interest is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole picture.

If we were purely driven by self-interest, why would we engage in any behavior that involves sacrifice, risk, or discomfort for the benefit of others? Why would we show kindness, volunteer our time, or fight for justice?

There’s a whole spectrum of motivations that drive us. Sure, we want to meet our needs, but we also want to belong, to love, to be loved, and to make a difference. And, honestly, I think that's what makes us human.

Conclusion: A Balance Between Self-Interest and Altruism

So, in conclusion, the idea that humans are purely driven by self-interest is far too simplistic. We’re complicated, and our motivations come from many places. Yes, we act out of self-preservation and self-interest sometimes, but just as often, we act from a place of empathy, connection, and shared humanity. It’s this balance that makes us who we are—imperfect, but incredibly capable of kindness and selflessness.

Next time someone tells you humans are selfish by nature, remind them of all the times people have put others before themselves. After all, isn’t that what truly defines us as humans?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.