I believe that human nature is not as pure and innocent as everyone makes it out to be, because greed and selfishness ultimately overcome acts of kindness and generosity. The media constantly portrays people as being completely selfless as if they were some sort of hero; however there is always the question, “What is in it for them?” In my experience I have come to terms with the fact that people are always looking to benefit themselves, because they have ulterior motives.
Whether a company is trying to sell something, or help you out financially using loans and interest rates, there is always fine print. Nothing comes easy, and if it does than beware of contracts because these companies are only doing their jobs which is to make money, your money.
Nowadays human beings trust others way too easily, because they are blind to the fact that most are not kind. If something is too good to be true than it usually is. Consider fraternities, they throw parties and give girls as much free alcohol as they would possibly want until those girls are belligerently drunk and carelessly throw all of their inhibitions to the wind. They then wake up the next day sick to their stomachs because they have been “taken advantage of.” No, these girls were comfortable enough to get completely drunk around a bunch of guys that they don’t know at all. This is a perfect example, because if they would have armed themselves with knowledge and realized these fraternities are not “sweet” as they make themselves out to be than they would have never put themselves into this situation. When approaching any aspect of life I am always defensive and never let my guard down, because as soon as I do I know that I will be susceptible to exploitation or being hurt.
In this day and age I know longer see kindness as a selfless act of humility. Human nature works differently now. There still are acts of kindness but you should always brace yourself for the worst. I am not thinking pessimistically, I would rather call it thinking smart, because if you are defensive than you will be ready for anything that comes your way. I understand that some may read this essay and may think it is negative, but I am not trying to being negative, I am simply explaining that things are not as simple as they once were. Also people cannot be trusted or depended on because you are setting yourself up for disappointment. So, depend on yourself, arm yourself with knowledge, trust your judgment, and prepare your mind for any obstacles that may come your way.