Difference Between Selfish and Selfless

The main difference between selfish and selfless is that selfish people always put their own needs ahead of others while selfless people put others’ needs ahead of their own.

Selfishness refers to lacking consideration for other people and preoccupation with one’s own pleasure, profit or welfare while selflessness refers to having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to money, fame, and position. Therefore, selfish and selfless are two words with contrasting meanings.

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Selfish Mean
     – Definition, Nature, Example Acts
2. What Does Selfless Mean
     – Definition, Nature, Example Acts
3. What is the Difference Between Selfish and Selfless
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Selfish, Selfless, Selfishness, Selflessness

What Does Selfish Mean

Being selfish basically means lacking consideration for other people and preoccupation with one’s own pleasure, profit or welfare. In other words, a selfish person is a person who is extremely concerned with himself and herself, regardless of others around him. Such people only think about their own advantage, welfare or profit. They always prioritize their needs and desires above the needs of others. Some psychologists have identified that it is a lack of empathy that causes selfishness. Moreover, most religions in the world decry selfishness and emphasize the virtues of empathy and altruism.

Some examples of Selfish Acts

• Neglecting to do your share of work in a team project, and expecting others to do it
• Not sharing your books and stationery with others
• Pushing into a queue of people in order to be served before your turn
• Helping yourself to extra servings while you know there is not enough to serve all
• Always giving others negative feedback

What Does Selfless Mean

Selfless is the opposite of selfish. Selfless means having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to money, fame, and position. A selfless person, therefore, cares more for what other people need and want rather than for what he or she needs and wants for himself/herself. Selflessness is often associated with positive qualities like empathy, compassion and love. It helps to keep us connected to each other as human beings. In brief, selflessness can help to make the world a better place. Being selfless may be somewhat difficult, but it can always bring you happiness and peace.

Some Examples of Selfless Acts

• Sharing food with a hungry person, even if you have little food
• Helping poor people
• Donating blood
• Volunteering at hospitals, homeless shelters, etc.
• Tutoring someone in need
• Offering your seat to someone in public transport, when there are no seats left

Difference Between Selfish and Selfless

Definition

Selfish means lacking consideration for other people and preoccupation with one’s own pleasure, profit or welfare, while selfless means having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to money, fame, and position.

Nature

While selfishness is a negative quality that is discouraged by many religions, selflessness is a virtue encouraged by all religions.

Needs

Selfish people always put their own needs ahead of others while selfless people put others’ needs ahead of their own.

Empathy and Compassion

Actions of selfish people may be caused by a lack of empathy or compassion, while actions of selfless people are motivated by empathy and compassion.

Conclusion

Selfish is the opposite of selfless. The main difference between selfish and selfless is that selfish people always put their own needs ahead of others while selfless people put others’ needs ahead of their own.

Reference:

1. “Selfishness.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Apr. 2020, Available here.
2. Crespo, Rebecca. “The Importance of Selflessness: Meaning, Practice, & Examples.” Minimalism Made Simple, 11 Nov. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Selfish” By Damian Gadal (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “1888787” (CC0) via Pixabay