On self serving and more (observations of human behavior)

Can humans, or any other form of  life for that matter, have any motives aside from self serving ones?

On the surface, it would seems that humans are capable of serving others, and doing things for the greater good, but aren't they really just acting to feel good about themselves, and therefore being self serving?
And then people who go through painful and difficult ordeals? Are they not going through these difficult ordeals with an eye on the future?

Would religion follow this rule? Well people follow religions because it is what they feel is the right thing to do, either because they have been raised that way and told so, or decided on their own accord.  Are they therefore, in the end, serving their own motives by doing what they think is right?  They consider it right for two reasons: religions benefit people's lives (provides a moral framework, encourages you in a time of hardship), and to avoid divine punishment (to stay out of hell, for example.  Conversely, getting into heaven would be a divine reward.)

This brings me to a point in the support of religions, they tell people how to act properly.  They tell people to be courteous and helpful to their fellow man.  I am their fellow man.  See there, though i may be in support of societies working for the common good, that is ultimately because they will help me, or by helping them help others, I will feel good about myself.
So, we're all self serving, and there is nothing wrong with that.  When people are too self-serving, it is frowned upon, but couldn't that be because when they are too self-serving, they are less willing to help you?  Aren't we being self serving by denouncing people who are too self-serving?

How about the sharing of knowledge?  Sure, some of it is for profit (publishing, and such), but what of not-for-profit reports and such.  Do people share what they have learned in an attempt to in some way impact society?  Don't they want to see what this impact in society is, and then feel satisfied because they have become important, and made some sort of difference?  What of people who feel it is their duty to share their findings/knowledge?  By doing what they feel is their duty, are they being self-serving by doing what they feel they should have done, and therefore being satisfied with their actions?

Well, what of us learning things that were already known (as in school).  One reason could be that, by being knowledgeable, we can demonstrate our knowledge to others, and then have them look up to us?  Doesn't it feel good to have others be impressed by you and your knowledge?    Furthermore, knowledge often brings us money and power.  Doesn't having money bring about self worth in most cases?

What though of people who are ignorant, and who enjoy being ignorant and intend to stay that way?  Well, i suppose that was a bit blunt.  Most people are knowledgeable in at least one area, it just may not be in an area that most people consider important.  Doesn't it boil down to the company you keep?  If your acquaintances look up to people who are knowledgeable about sports, you will likely find it important to know a lot about sports. However, if you are a scientist, you will most likely find it beneficial to understand a lot of science.