SELF INTERESTED Meaning and
Definition
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The term "self-interested" refers to an individual or entity that acts or behaves with a primary focus on their own personal advantage, well-being, or gain. It describes a mindset or disposition where people prioritize their own interests above the concerns or welfare of others. When someone is self-interested, their actions and decisions are driven by a desire to maximize benefits or minimize costs in order to satisfy their own needs, desires, or ambitions.
Being self-interested implies a deliberate pursuit of personal goals, often at the expense or neglect of communal or ethical considerations. It characterizes an inherent inclination towards actions that promote self-advantage, self-preservation, or self-fulfillment. Self-interested individuals are inclined to make choices and engage in activities that serve their own interests, even if these choices may clash with societal norms, morality, or fairness.
This term can be applied in various domains, including personal relationships, politics, economics, and business. In economics, for instance, self-interested behavior is the fundamental basis of classical theories like rational choice theory, where individuals are assumed to act in their own best interest to maximize their utility or satisfaction. However, it is important to note that while self-interested behavior is often associated with selfishness or individualism, it does not necessarily imply an absence of empathy, altruism, or concern for others.
Common Misspellings for SELF INTERESTED
- Self-ynterested
- 3elf interested
- selfinterrsted
- selfinnterested
- selfintewrested
Etymology of SELF INTERESTED
The word "self interested" is composed of two separate words: "self" and "interested".
The term "self" traces back to Old English "self", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*selbaz". It ultimately originates from the Proto-Indo-European root "*s(w)e", meaning "self" or "same". The word "self" is commonly used to refer to an individual's personal or individual identity.
The term "interested" comes from the verb "interest", which emerged in the late 16th century from the Latin word "interest", meaning "it is of importance" or "it concerns". In Latin, "interest" is a combination of "inter", meaning "between", and "esse", meaning "to be". This evolution in meaning can be traced to the notion of "having a stake" or "having a concern" in something.
