Reply #12: I often think about self-interest, [View All]

and how, in its broadest definition, it shapes our lives and interaction with others.

All humans are somewhere along the self-interest (selfishness) spectrum. At one end are those who are totally focussed on only their own wants and needs, at the other are those who are only concerned about others. I doubt that many people fall into either extreme absolutely, both being equally unhealthy.

Acting in self-interest is often at the expense of another - 'I've got mine, who cares about you?' War, rape, fraud, parking over someone's driveway - all examples of self-interest overriding the greater good.

In general, I am a fairly optimistic person, but I believe self-interest is hard wired into humans. Always has been, always will. It is to what degree that is important.