Human nature is a topic that has been debated for centuries, are people inherently evil, good or somewhere in the middle? Many look to major events in human history such as wars, and historical events. However, human nature reveals itself even in people’s everyday actions and interactions. While humans are capable of kindness and compassion, our natural tendencies lean toward evil. This evil can be seen through selfish actions and the disregard people have towards other peoples well being.

Selfishness might seem minor compared to larger evils committed throughout human history, but it is the foundation to many other harmful behaviors. Actions like cutting in the lunch line, cutting off people in traffic, or taking the last piece of food without asking others, all may seem harmless. However, they reveal a further truth, that humans naturally tend to prioritize themselves over their consideration for others.

Even when people act generously these actions are often fueled by self-interest. This is especially apparent in high school volunteering, as it is generally driven by college applications opposed to a genuine desire to help others. Even random acts of kindness are now frequently posted online for attention and social validation. However much these actions can benefit others, it highlights how self-interest drives these acts of generosity.

Another way human nature reveals itself is through the human tendency to quietly disregard others. For example, when a student is being bullied many students would walk past without intervening, demonstrating how people would rather avoid discomfort by ignoring others struggles. Similarly in a group project often one or two students will complete most of the work, while others will contribute little or nothing. Highlighting the natural lack of concern for shared responsibility. Outside of school many people walk past homeless people without any acknowledgement. While these actions are not outright cruel, such examples show a side of human evil through indifference and disregard.

The human patterns of selfishness and disregard to others demonstrate how human evil does not always need to be in dramatic acts of violence, but instead in our everyday choices. Although humans are capable of doing good, these actions of good are overshadowed by actions of self-interest and personal benefit. Ultimately, human nature leans towards evil not because humans want to harm one another, but because they instinctively act within their own best interest.