Selflessness does not Exist

Intro: Pro made some considerable points, but according to the format, I will only be providing arguments and will try not to touch on any of Pros as of now. Constructive Arguments: 1.) As we learned before, selfless is defined as: "having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position, money, etc.; unselfish." [1]. And selfish as: "devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others." [2]. To be selfless is to show little concern, or no concern to your own interests. These interests can be anything positive, but the most prolific interests can be, but not limited to, money, time, position, and safety. Being selfish would be to show more concern for yourself than anyone else, with regard to those same interests. Is there no possibility to be selfless? Is everything we do selfish? Does selflessness ever exist at all? The first example of a selfless act will be from 2007. Article [3]. Cameron Hollopeter, 20, was waiting for a subway train when he collapsed and began to convulse. He was able to erect himself, but unfortunately collapsed again, this time stumbling off the platform and landing on the train tracks. Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old construction worker and Navy veteran, was trying to help Hollopeter up when he fell onto the tracks. The headlights of the approaching train appeared around the corner as Hollopeter lay on the tracks. Autrey, who had been taking his two young daughters on the subway, was faced with a touch situation. He made a split second decision and jumped down onto the tracks with Hollopeter, still having convulsions. Autrey pushed Hollopeter in between the two rails, and then lay on top of him, pressing both their bodies down in between the two rails. Fortunately, Autrey was able to get both their bodies within one foot of the ground, and they were able to clear the bottom of the subway and survive. Let's examine what really happened. Autrey's interests in this situation were his and his daughters safety, comfort and convenience. This would ideally be an uneventful, and quick trip to their destination, with no danger, inconvenience, or frightening occurrences. Autrey was faced with this poor man lying on the tracks. If Autrey had kept his and his daughters interests in consideration, he could have distanced themselves from the situation, or turned away to not be involved. This would be selfish, and considering his own interest more than anyone else's. What he did though was become involved (not considering how own interest) and attempt to help this man. This involved throwing himself in front a train, in front of his own daughters, risking his life, for the well being of someone other than him. He didn't consider how safety, well being, or comfort in his decision, and put Hollopeter's interests and needs first above anything else. This is a selfless act, showing that acts can be selfless, in leaving little or no consideration for yourself, and putting other people first. 2.) That example was a real situation, but I can present an argument from a hypothetical point of view as well. Is it possible for one to show no consideration for yourself and put everyone else's interests before your own? Yes! There are endless opportunities and situations that are hypothetically possible. One could give a donation of money to a person or organization. It is possible that this individual may not want to give money, and may not be enthusiastic or willing their donation. It is possible that the individual donates because they know its the right thing to do. It is entirely possible that they don't find any satisfaction from this whatsoever. This is a selfless act, they don't gain anything nor feel fulfilled in any way, but they were still selfless in their sacrifice, despite a possible unwilling spirit. There are countless hypothetical situations in where people act selflessly, as well as the countless examples we find in the news and observe in day to day life. Citations: [1]. http://dictionary.reference.com... [2]. http://dictionary.reference.com... [3]. http://www.nytimes.com...