by C.V.Rajan

Created on: December 25, 2008

How will you define selfishness? If somebody is overly concerned about his own needs, interests and satisfaction and acts in a way to satiate them at the cost of others' rightful share or by trampling upon others' legal territory or by willfully exploiting others' vulnerability or helping nature, I would call that person selfish. A person who offers a helping hand to others in time of need with a calculative mind to get something in return is also selfish.

I will not personally consider opposite of unselfishness as selfishness. Who is unselfish? One who is always willing to help others without expecting anything in return and one who is willing to sacrifice his rightful share of possessions, time and labor for the benefit of others, is unselfish.

But just in case a person does not, by nature, volunteers to rush to help others, or is not too keen on sharing his rightful assets (money, time or labor) with others willingly can he be blatantly accused as selfish? I am afraid not. Perhaps I would call him self-centered. If a self-centered person does not engage in robbing others their rightful share, does not willfully exploit others and does not offer help to others with a calculative mind, but is simply concerned about satisfying his needs and interests, at the same time giving due respect to others desires, rights and privileges, I will NOT call him a selfish person.

With the above definition, I will give some examples of what I consider selfish based on personal experiences and observation:

(1) A person who jumps a long queue to get something for him out of turn

(2) A person who bribes to get something done out of turn to his favor and a person who receives bribe either to do something in normal course or out of turn.

(3) A person who does not permit his spouse to spend her money to meet the needs of his/ her parents or siblings.

(4) Any person who engages in extra marital relationship.

(5) Any person who spends his earned money lavishly in parties, drinks, or in gambling when his wife and family are suffering for want of money.

(6) Any boss who tries to sexually exploit his sub-ordinates.

(7) Any boss demanding his subordinates to work beyond stipulated office hours without monetary or any other compensation.

(8) Any executive who enjoys luxury at the cost of his company's money by bending and breaking the rules and regulations.

(9) persons traveling in a reserved compartment of a train with unreserved tickets causing discomfort to genuine passengers.

(10) Persons parking

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