Right, only try telling that to the naive posters here. They actually think altruism toward complete strangers without any strings attached exists. And worse, they think the government is the epicenter of said altruism and are willing to spend my tax dollars in an all-out attempt to prove that hypothesis beyond all reason. Hence, my need to reiterate the fact that, yes, people look out for their own best interest first, last and always. Maybe saying it for the millionth time will finally get it through their thick skulls to their pea brains.
It's not altruistic, it's self-serving with the payoff being a psychological one, as well as the potential future payoff of having the favor returned.
Most people do it. I have done it every time, not only to feel good, but also to avoid feeling bad and corrupting my soul, in addition to pleasing and avoiding the anger of the biggest guy in case he exists. Note that one gives back more than the wallet for free, such as the time spend returning the wallet, and the giving of real-life lesson on morality to the wallet owner. To be good is part of human nature!
Disagree. There are plenty of examples of Corporations and people (and politicians) caring about others with zero regard of anything in return.