Why is it good to be selfish?

Question

Please give me a good answer. I need to discuss it in class. I will choose a best answer! GET POINTS!! Honestly though, I have been thinking about it... but I think other people's opinions would help. Why should a person be selfish. Why is selfishness good!

Answer 1

I actually happen to be quite selfish at times and quite alturistic when the need and the mood arises. It depends on the circumstance, the person and the reason. Sometimes, I just like to do things to do them, sometimes I do them to get in return... and sometimes, I don't do anything for anyone BUT me and my family... Everyone is. It is not a bad thing or a big deal.

And so to psychologically justify my belief...

I believe that it, (selfishness) is found in the kind of human nature that is obvious to everyone BUT the person who is selfish. It is common and often unspoken as far as actually admitting it goes.

It is what most people are, for the simple fact that so few ever do anything, that they do for anyone else, without it bringing them something in return in the way of; rewards, accolades, praise, gifts, noteriety... whatever. Plain and simple, most people give to get even on the deeper, often unrecognized subconscience levels, even the strongest marriages and partnerships are based on making mutual use of the other. ESPECIALLY in those who can't see it and believe they are caring and giving people.

The thing is... If everyone does it, and no one admits to it... Why does a word like "Selfish" even exist as a generalization at all?

I think it is so that those oblivious to it, who actually BELIEVE they are wholeheartedly doing whatever they do just to do it, with no desire for anything in return... Have a word to use to describe those they compare themselves to, to prove their honesty to others when they are anything but, alturistic or honest in their actions.

I have always believed that those who make personality distinctions using words as generalizations to sum up the complete character or a person or a group that they themselves have chosen to associate themselves with; Either for, or against any state or condition, less the subtleties, less the slight differences between those who are Sometimes this... and sometimes that... therefore BOTH at the same time.
As we all in reality, actually are... BOTH.

These are the people who are... what they accuse. This is why we need words like this... To both state the obvious for those of us who know better and as accusations used to seperate and divide by those who actually are their accusations, but can't see through them to admit to themselves that it is perfectly fine because even though no one admits to it, everyone does it...

Some only have the mental and emotional maturity to see in others, when in the accusation itself... There is a mirror.

I believe it is called "Swifts Glass." and when you refer it to "selfish." Everyone is... and everyone isin't... at the very same time. However... only some see it. Most don't.

*I hope that makes sense... I tend to ramble and back track over my own words which often messes them up in trying to fix them. Hope this makes sense to you and after all this reading, it is something you can actually use?

Answer 2

Honestly, selfishness sometimes IS the answer. There are rare times when you need to be selfish in order to take a break from the crap around you, and you need to put yourself first. Selfishness is just another human mechanism we are endowed with to preserve our sense of self. Say a million things are going on in your life at once, and everyone is expecting something from you; if you're the kind of person that fears letting people down, and you stretch yourself to the max, you might screw something up or worse, snap. The mechanism of selfishness needs to kick in at some point in order to preserve your sanity.

It's the motivations that can be a bad thing: What drives the urge to be selfish, how often we are driven to it, etc. It's one thing to say, eat a piece of cake all by yourself without sharing every once in a while; it's another to say, cheat on your spouse just because you want to and you don't care about their feelings. Some acts of selfishness are harmless, while others could be so serious as to have deadly consequences.

Answer 3

In some ways it's good to be selfish. You can't always rely on other people to take care of you or to look out for your best interests, so sometimes you need to put yourself first. Also, being selfish (but not too selfish) affirms the fact that you value yourself, so spending time to work out or get a massage or some other type of personal pampering is technically selfish but it's good for your self-esteem. Finally, being selfish (but again, not too selfish) is a way to protect yourself from letting other people take advantage of you or mistreat you. There's a big difference between compromise and surrender, so it's a good thing to stick up for yourself on important issues because it engenders respect in relationships -- if you're always giving in to what the others say or want then they lose all respect for you and you become their doormat.

Answer 4

Being selfish isn't good but that's not to say that being selfless is. Selfishness is when you take or receive something that you know should be shared but dont. Selflessness is when you give to much to others detrimental to your own well being. There is a happy medium where you know whats right and wrong and should follow your gut instinct. There are times you should share but give a small or no amount away but there are times when you need to give until it hurts. Its a judgment call and that's where being honest with yourself comes in. If you listen to yourself, you'll know what you should do. I'd like to believe that most people are good and that even if they are selfish, they still know the difference.

Answer 5

Every thing has got an advantage and disadvantage but not everything is rated as "good".That's to tell you that selfishness is NOT GOOD,Although some selfish people are making it, like having everything to themselves at all times by all means.

Answer 6

:) tricky question! i'd say there are quite a few times it is "good" to be "selfish"..but it depends on intent; on reasons; on character....

the thing is, i think it ALL starts with your Self: first make sure you take care of your life, make sure u are a good person, always open minded, caring, loving, trustworthy, respectable, respect others, etc. THEN, if u are "selfish" about finding someone who Deserves you, you are holding up expectations for other people, but only because you have made sure YOU are worth it. does that make sense? so it's only "good" to be selfish when ur goal is ultimately worthy...

so for example, if someone was lazy, slobby, annoying, rude, obnoxious..but he expected to find a lovely, sweet wife, but he doesn't treat her right, that is selfish, and NOT GOOD. but if he made sure HE was first extremely great, smart, wonderful Husband, then of course u wouldn't blame him for picking and choosing for himself a great, smart, wonderful Wife....somewhat being "selfish" for wanting the best. but it is not selfish when u expect those things from yourself First.

think about your family also..if u weren't a tad selfish regarding them (remember, Intent to give ur family the best), then u may be giving them the short end of the stick sometimes!! which is why, u take care of your Own... and sometimes u branch out and help other people..but first must take care of your own family before u can take care of others. so again, it goes back to the Individual person, individual family, who takes care of their OWN things first, and then can reach out to others!! and do a good job about it!

good luck, hope this helps~

Answer 7

Someone actually told me that it PAYS to be selfish & sadly she was right. In today's world, you'd be considered extremely lucky to have someone do so much as a tiny, little favor.
Frankly, can you seriously confess that YOU've done something selfless for others without expecting anything in return & vice versa?!
Unfortunately, I've to agree on this one.
Although with everything else you need to tread it with caution & use your better judgment to strike a balance.

Answer 8

it's good to be selfish in a certain way otherwise, u'd have ppl taking advantage of u. it's called looking out for urself. the other extreme of looking out for no one but urself is just as bad. so, yes, being a little bit selfish is a good thing.

Answer 9

It isn't.
The vast majority of people..at least 80%, have an innate desire to help one another. They may have run into problems or barriers attempting to give help and may also have been betrayed in the name of "help" , but the basic intention still remains even when there is failure to help or be helped.
Possibly, the decision to be selfish is simply a result of this failiure to help or be helped, but that does not make this decision the right decision and it does not lead to a solution to the basic difficulty, it merely cements it.

Answer 10

Being Selfish is the only way that you can for sure keep what you got.