GMAT Essays (AWA)

Human nature dictates that every action, no matter how selfless it appears, is inspired by a selfish reason.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the above opinion. Support your position with reasons and examples from your own experience, observations of others, or reading.

Some people believe that every human action is inspired by a selfish reason whereas there are other who do not think so. This appears to be a very controversial issue but closer examination reveals that human beings are indeed selfish and every action is prompted by a selfish motive.

First lets take the case of a person in love. There is this common notion of love being selfless. On the contrary a person who falls in love really does so to satisfy the cravings of his or her heart. Clearly this is not selfless. As is seen in today's society the moment a person feels that the current love is not satisfying his or her heart's cravings they leave move over to someone else. How can this be termed as selfless. This definitely is a sign of a selfish human being driven by selfish motives.

Another supporting fact is the over hyped phenomenon of social service. There are many so called philanthropists who seemingly donate millions to orphanages or cancer research centers or other aids. Have we ever wondered why these actions get so much publicity or how the press comes to know about these actions of certain individuals. Granted these apparent magnanimous acts helps several people but clearly publicity goes a long way in prompting these actions from these individuals. Surely that cannot be selfless.

The most compelling reason will be that of the armed forces protecting a nations borders from external threats. We all admire our soldiers for protecting our country facing threats to their own life while we lead our cozy lives. Nothing has been misunderstood as this "job" has been. Clearly we are overlooking the fact that these men and women are also doing a job for which they get paid. Now the job requires them to face bullets and missiles to protect their nation and hence they do so. Granted that this job is tough and life threatening but then so is the job of a deep sea fisherman who has to face the forces of nature to bring us those delicious fishes.

While there are several reasons for people to feel that human action is selfless the above mentioned reasons clearly tilts the balance in favor of the other side of the issue. Certainly the points indicating that human actions are inspired by selfish reasons outweigh anything that can be brought in support of a selfless human action. In summary, it is clear beyond any doubt that human nature dictates that every action is inspired by a selfish reason.