What are the disadvantages of being selfish?

Answer 1

Selfish (Self"ish) (?), a.

1. Caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others. "They judge of things according to their own private appetites and selfish passions." Cudworth. "In that throng of selfish hearts untrue." Keble.
2. (Ethics) Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from gratifying one's own pleasure. "Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers." Fleming.
3. Meanly covetous or avarcious in dealing with others; stingy.

Synonyms -- Avarcious; covetous; parsimonious; sparing; miserly; penurios; sordid; stingy. See Avaricious.

By looking solely at the above definition of the word "selfish", the major disadvantage of being selfish is the loss of respect of those around you. In most cases we need the help of others to achieve our goals in life. If one garners the reputation of being selfish by the above definition they will find themselves with little or no assistance from others. Also this type of individual can't be trusted or relied upon and can only live a life of dishonor. He would only protect his own interest in all his dealing.

The biggest disadvantage would be having no personal friends or allies. How empty a life to have none that can trust in you.

Let us not confuse “selfish” with concepts like self-preservation, self-interest or self-satisfaction like many people so often do. What you are eluding at is Rational Selfishness. To be rationally selfish means to look out for one's own interests, i.e. one's own life. To eat to support your life is selfish. To make love to the woman you love is selfish. To have pride in ones accomplishments and character is selfish. To use one's mind in the pursuit of ones own happiness is selfish. But to pursue this at the expense of others including family, friends, or business associate fall in the category of irrational selfness.

Answer 2

It depends on your perspective, if you are selfish, you don't care what anyone thinks as long as you get what you want. So every resultant aspect that would be "negative" to a normal socially oriented person, would fail to persuade you to begin learning to share or start to consider the feelings of others. The disadvantage is that even the thought of a truly "selfish" person is repugnant and not to be desired and their company is generally disdained; except by the forever nurturing soul who is always going to think there is a "horse under the horse sh*t" that's about it.

Answer 3

Others won't like you much - but if you're narcissistic, I guess that's not a disadvantage! LOL

But we do need to work with others and most of us do want companionship in some form or another, so it helps if you are able to have compassion at least for those whom you value in your life. For those you are forced to deal with, one basically just needs to be polite and civilized.

Still we do have to put our own needs first, because we are the only ones who have to live with the consequences of our choices and actions. No one else is there with us every moment of every day of our existence. In some ways this might be considered selfishness, but as long as your intentions are pure, and you aren't being self-absorbed or hurtful to others, it doesn't matter what people say.

Answer 4

When the time comes for you to ask for others help, they may remember your selfishness, and decide to pay you back with...selfishness.

Answer 5

i can think of a lot of advantages but not many disadvantages.

Answer 6

Probably that people wont like you that much if you always think of yourself..

Answer 7

None. Look at rich people.

Answer 8

well people wont like to be around you when it comes to sharing

Answer 9

--Very few honorable friends.

--Not liked!

--Generosity stimulates generosity, thus being tight fisted, results in very little!

Answer 10

people won't like you.