Final answer:
The author's view of humanity in "A Contribution to Statistics" is best described as pessimistic, indicating a generally negative outlook.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's view of humanity in "A Contribution to Statistics" can be best described as pessimistic. This view is in contrast to altruism, which is a form of prosocial behavior that suggests selfless concern for the well-being of others. The texts provided suggest an acknowledgement that while economic analysis often assumes self-interest, there is evidence of altruistic behavior in humans, as noted by Adam Smith in his book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. However, this does not directly address the author's perspective in the poem "A Contribution to Statistics" which is generally considered to have a bleak view of humanity, highlighting the number of people who embody vices over virtues.