Who Would You Die For?

So today during lunch, the question that I'm sure everyone has pondered at least once in their life came up at our table. "If I was going to die, would you die to save my life?"

The person asking the question (let's call her Person A) asked it to one of her best friends (Person B). Her exact words were, "If I were about to be hit by a car, would you jump in the way to save me, if you were going to be hit?" (Note that Person A said "be hit" not "die".) Person B's response was the thing that most shocked me all day. All week, actually. It was... "No."

So I then tried the question with her in a different way. "If Person A was GOING TO DIE, would you jump in front of the car and risk your own life?" (Note that I said "risk your life" not "die".) Person B's answer was again, "No."

It surprised me to an extreme amount that Person B wouldn't even RISK her life to SAVE her BEST FRIEND'S. I really don't know what kind of person is so selfish that they wouldn't sacrifice their own for their friends. Especially for their friends. I was never one to really like this person, we had some problems back in 4th grade (okay, MAJOR problems) and I knew she was selfish, but I didn't know she truly and honestly cared about her life over anyone else's. I really did not expect that.

Everyone else's answer was, of course, "Yes". Everyone said they would risk their lives to save anyone's life, even a stranger. But they all agreed that they wouldn't save someone's life like Hitler or Bin Laden, because they deserved it. I had a different opinion.

I would save anyone's life and completely give up my own knowing that their life would be spared. I completely and honestly would. For my friends, family, acquaintances, and total strangers. Even people who had done something wrong. I'm an optimist. I like to think everything can work out for the better, and I think everything does. If you can save that one person, they may feel grateful, and relieved, and joyful, and loved. And like they too, can make a difference, a positive impact on the world. They might feel inspired. They might have a change of heart. And suddenly, the person who was once so horrible and mean... Isn't. It sounds ridiculous, but that's what I believe.

The thing that really shocked me about what Person A said though, was not that she wouldn't risk her life for her friend's safety. It wasn't that she's that selfish. It's that she told the truth. As much as I dislike the person, I admire that. That even though she's so conceited and self-centered, she's honest. That she didn't make up a lie to save her reputation. I think we can all learn from that.

So after reading this, think about that question. Honestly. You don't have to share your opinion with others. No one has to know. But don't lie to yourself.

Who would you die for?