SELFINTERESTED Meaning and
Definition
-
Self-interested is an adjective that describes a person or entity primarily concerned with their own advantage and well-being above others. It refers to a mindset or behavior that places one's own interests as the primary motivation for their actions, decisions, or interactions, often without considering or prioritizing the needs or interests of others.
Someone who is self-interested tends to focus on personal gain, success, or satisfaction, sometimes at the expense or disregard of others. They may be driven by selfish motives, seeking to maximize their own benefits or advantages while minimizing or ignoring the impact on those around them.
This term is often associated with actions or decisions that are pursued solely to enhance one's individual interests, with little concern for fairness, ethics, or societal well-being. Self-interested behavior is commonly criticized as it can lead to conflicts, exploitation, or neglect of others, undermining cooperation and harmony within communities or relationships.
However, it is important to note that self-interest is a natural human tendency, and in certain situations, it may be necessary for personal growth or survival. Thus, a moderate level of self-interest can be considered normal and even necessary, but excessive or extreme self-interested behavior is generally regarded negatively.
Common Misspellings for SELFINTERESTED
Etymology of SELFINTERESTED
The word "self-interested" can be broken down into two parts: "self" and "interested".
"Self" is derived from the Old English word "self", which means "one's own person, the same person, very; oneself".
"Interested" comes from the Latin word "interest" which is the third person singular present tense of "interest", meaning "it interests, it is of importance, it makes a difference, it is of concern". The word "interest" is derived from the Latin phrase "in terra esse", which translates to "to be between".
When these two words are combined, "self-interested" means being concerned primarily with one's own interests, advantage, or welfare.
