Fantasized Altruism vs. the Undisguised Human Nature

The foundation of this piece lies in its integration of narrative and analytical writing to convey a personal evolution in my understanding of human nature. By intertwining personal anecdotes with critical reflections on childhood fantasies, I sought to explore the juxtaposition between my idealized perceptions of the world and the unveiling of more complex truths about altruism and selfishness.

The concept of liminality is central to this essay. As a child, I created a liminal space filled with the optimism and simplicity of an idealized world. This space was later disrupted by the realities of human behavior, leading to the emergence of a new, mature liminality—one where I reconciled the tension between altruism and selfishness.

The writing process reflects this transformation, employing a structure that mirrors my internal journey. It begins with the wonder of childhood, transitions through disillusionment, and culminates in a balanced acceptance of human complexity. This piece ultimately demonstrates that acknowledging and understanding our inherent selfishness is not a flaw, but a stepping stone toward cultivating genuine empathy and meaningful connections.