self-interest vs. selfishness
[self-in-trist, self-, -in-ter-ist]
/ ˌsɛlfˈɪn trɪst, ˈsɛlf-, -ˈɪn tər ɪst /
noun
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regard for one's own interest or advantage, especially with disregard for others.
He appears to be motivated solely by self-interest, greed, and an insatiable hunger for self-aggrandizement.
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personal interest or advantage.
It is particularly hard to understand why a group would vote against its own self-interest.
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Economics. the doctrine that acting to one’s own benefit or advantage can also result in a benefit for society at large.
Adam Smith believed that individuals pursuing rational self-interest would create wealth through efficient production and competition.
[sel-fish-nis]
/ ˈsɛl fɪʃ nɪs /
