What is significant about this viewpoint concerning the evil of “selfishness” is in how many versions it has appeared throughout human history. Don’t be selfish—subordinate your interests to those of the tribe. Don’t be selfish—subordinate your interests to those of the family. Don’t be selfish—sacrifice for the Pharaoh, Emperor, King, Church, Country, Race, State, Proletariat, Society, or Globe. Remember: Service is your noblest goal; selfishness is the root of all evil.
In this doctrine, selfishness is presumed to be narrow, petty, small-minded, materialistic, immature, narcissistic, anti-social, exploitative, mean-spirited, arrogant, ruthless, indifferent, cruel, and potentially murderous. These traits are evidently regarded as being to one’s self-interest, since they are labeled as expressions of selfishness. It is interesting to speculate about the psychology of those who believe this. By my own understanding I would say that these traits are self-destructive and that self-destruction is not to one’s self-interest.
If one’s goal is a happy and fulfilling life, self-interest is best served by rationality, productivity, integrity, and a sense of justice and benevolence in dealings with others. It is served by learning to think long-range and to project the consequences of one’s actions, which means learning to live responsibly. Irresponsibility is not to one’s self-interest. And neither is mindlessness, dishonesty, or brutality.
-Nathaniel Branden
