[orgaelin]

PeterAngelo is so right... mostly ;)

Only my opinion of course, but what you say is a little *too* cynical. Be aware that any form of 'extreme' is almost always wrong... you've taken your views about the negativity of the Human existence we are subject to a bit too far. Not everyone is stupid, and not everyone who is clever is mean-spirited and intent on ruling the world for their own ends by manipulation.

Although I agree there is no such thing as a selfless act, there are plenty of people who recognise that working for the good of another/others is far more beneficial than working for yourself. (Like Spock!)

Bottom line: what you believe is true is true for you. I agree we are all blinded by our desires for what we would rather see, but I also think that the universe will show you (or you will extrapolate from it) all the evidence you need to form any hypothesis abuot it you will. If you believe the sky is pink strongly enough, you'll soon start to see it that way. If you believe everyone is bad to the core, they'll soon start to treat you in a way which confirms your beliefs. If you believe completely that you are going to die before some determined date, you most likely will.

So if you're happy with how you see the world, good luck to you. Personally I wear a pair of slightly rose-tinted glasses... might not match up with reality but it makes it nicer to look at while I'm here. That doesn't make me stupid. You look at things and *choose* to see badness... I look at them and choose to see goodness. I'm definitely not stupid!