One example of human nature that often demonstrates inherent selfishness, even if unintentional, is the "bystander effect." The bystander effect is a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a person in need when others are present. This occurs because people tend to look to the actions of others in ambiguous situations to determine how they should behave. The more people present, the more the responsibility to help is diffused among them, leading to a decreased likelihood of anyone taking action.
A classic illustration of the bystander effect is the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964. She was attacked outside her apartment building, and although her screams were heard by multiple neighbors, nobody intervened or called for help. This case became a landmark in psychology and highlighted the apathy that can arise in groups of people faced with emergencies.
The bystander effect can be seen as a form of inherent selfishness because individuals are more concerned about their own safety, the judgment of others, or the diffusion of responsibility than the well-being of the person in need. While it might not be a conscious decision to be selfish, this behavior emerges from our psychological and social tendencies.
It's essential to note that while the bystander effect exemplifies selfish behavior, it doesn't define all human actions or characteristics. Human beings are complex and capable of various behaviors, including selflessness, empathy, and altruism. We have the capacity to act selflessly, but our actions are also influenced by situational factors, social norms, and individual differences. Recognizing and understanding these tendencies can help us become more aware of our behavior and work towards being more compassionate and empathetic in our actions.