In order to understand the great contrast from the people of New York, it is important to conceptualize the former typical New York society. The former view of the city before a social metamorphosis. Visualize a hustling, bustling city where the majority of the people are naturally nasty and rude. This depiction of New York City supports the theories of Huxley and Hobbes. The two authors speculate that humans" actions are determined by how they will be benefit from their actions. De Waal "wrote that Thomas Hobbes and Thomas Henry Huxley.both preached that the original state of humankind.is one in which selfish goals are pursued without regard for others"(de Waal 658). In a setting like that of New York City, it may be very common to see individuals that are only focused on how they can survive in a society in which selfish tendencies are instilled. If there were any good deeds exchanged between strangers, it was reciprocative: expecting any favor done for someone to be done to them in return. These were the characteristics of a typical New Yorker before the events of September 11th, 2001. .
The events of September 11th, 2001, had a great effect on everyone around the world. It changed the world unlike any event ever changed the world. It particularly changed the people of New York City. However, for as much bad there was good. It may have increased insecurity, but it has become more united. The people have united after the terrorist attacks for security, pride, and compassion. In de Waal's essay he states that "Charles Darwin.had warned in The Origin of the Species: " I use the term Struggle for Existence in a large and metaphorical sense including dependence of one being on another" (650). After September 11th, it was no longer about the selfish mentality of surviving on your own. Everyone needed someone whether it was for a shoulder to cry on, hand to hold, or ear to listen.
