Rabbi Manis Friedman on Human Nature

[jennifer_bloom]

Rabbi Manis Friedman says there is a universal desire among 90% of people that trumps all other human desires. That desire is the want to be a good person.

Freud suggested this desire to be good was based on our own personal self esteem and self-image interest in being happily self-appraising in protecting our pride.

But I have another idea, I believe humans have a desire to connect with the compassion of heaven and they display our desire to receive connection by caring for others. Loyalty to the happiness and welfare of others and the happiness and service of God is what God desires.

Billionaires understand we want to be good which is why, many leave little money to children they give birth to, realizing that real love is building dignity and confidence, not shallow experiences and endless parties.

[Jamie05rhs]

For most people, yes. But narcissists don't have this. They may want to be perceived to be good, but they don't actually want to be good. They don't care about that.

[Aerolyn]

I'm gonna have to agree with Friedmans take.

I already held the belief for a while now that even our kind actions are only done for our own personal gain.

No action is "selfless" and we don't do anything if we don't see anything to gain from it.