Cambridge 19 | Test 4 | Passage 3

The Unselfish Gene

There has long been a general assumption that human beings are essentiallyselfish. We’re apparently ruthless, with strong impulses to compete against each other for resources and to accumulate power andpossessions. If we are kind to one another, it’s usually because we haveulterior motives. If we are good, it’s only because we have managed to control and transcend our innate selfishness and brutality.

selfish (adjective)

/ˈsel.fɪʃ/

Someone who is selfish only thinks of their own advantage

e.g., Don't be so selfish!

possession (noun) [countable]

/pəˈzeʃ.ən/

something that you own or that you are carrying with you at a particulartime

e.g., Please remember to take all your personal possessions with you when you leave the aircraft.

ulterior motive

a secret reason

e.g., He’s just being nice. I don’t think he has any ulterior motives.