They are selfish.

You must take them as you find them.

_You_, my son, think they are all honest and good."-- Do I?
quoth son, in his soul.--"It is the bitter task of experience to undeceive youth from its romantic dreams.

As a rule, Abel, men are rascals; that is to say, they pursue their own interests.

How sad! True; how sad! Where was I?
Oh! men are scamps--with some exceptions; but you must go by the rule.