Read the following passage from THE HOBBIT. "All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he [Bilbo) obstinately, putting on his business
manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him), and doing his best to appear
wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know
about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth" -- by which he meant:
"What am I going to get out of it? And am I going to come back alive?"
When we think selfishly about doing work for a good cause, we may privately ask
ourselves selfish questions. What is the selfish question that Bilbo asks? How
does Bilbo's attitude reflect the real world? Please read the quote and answer by typing thanks.