people are basically good, but we in general are basically selfish

[steve2470]

THIS IS THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP. Abrasive and nasty comments not welcome here.

That's how I view humanity. I include myself in the selfish category at times, but we can overcome it at times of course. Or most of the time, or almost all the time, or...not at all. The sociopaths/psychopaths are selfish like 99.99% of the time and only appear to be unselfish when trying to gain their objectives.

People are basically good. Call me naive, but that's how I see us. Case in point: During my trip to Germany, a DUer here (who I will not name because I don't have his/her permission) is allowing me to stay overnight with him/her. Very generous IMHO.

Another lady on another forum is offering to meet me for coffee in Hamburg. She doesn't know me and I damn sure don't know her, but hey, she sees I will need a bit of company in Germany and we might have fun talking about Germany etc. I think she's an ok human and we're both harmless I think. Just humans being nice humans.

ETA: Another case in point, I was in Chicago last year and met up with mopinko. Great lady and GREAT DOG bif!

I could go on, but yes, I was inspired to write this today. Please don't let the horrible news obscure this, to me, basic fact. We humans get swayed in bad directions but ultimately I think we are good. I cannot see us as "bad", that would ruin my life.

At any rate...have a wonderful day!

Steve

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I agree with your assessment, Steve.

Your examples are very good ones. The world is full of truly lovely people, and you never know when you will meet one.

Most people are basically good and given half a chance, they will show that goodness to you.

You have a wonderful day too!

[steve2470]

2. I really do regret not meeting you in LA, but oh well, the past is the past

Next time I go to LA, if you are available, it would be great. You are absolutely one of the very best here. You are another example of a good human.

I guess my entire point is, these examples are so common, we all have them. Yes, some of "us" are pretty horrible but I think they are the minority.

[mopinko]

3. i have rarely been disappointed when meeting other du'ers.

makes me sad that we dont have meetups any more. they were always a great time. except when trolls showed up.

i think you put your finger on a basic human internal conflict. it is kinda glorious that we even evolved w altruism as a part of our basic make up. but it is a risky strategy, only made possible by our deep bonds of family, tribe, community.
strengthen them, and you strengthen the human family entire.
never miss an opportunity to spread that strength.

ps- biff says hi.