When selfish isn’t selfish
Question asked on Quora today: Are introverts usually less selfish than extroverts?
Gus’s reply: I can understand why you might ask this question: extroverts often seem to be all about me me Me!
But on average they also attract more attention and support to their activities, thereby also benefiting you if you happen to be taking part. Whereas the apparently unselfish introvert—who may seem more considerate—could in fact be benefiting you much less.
Many Divas and other high-performing celebrities also get described as selfish by people who don’t understand what it truly takes to perform at your best. By demanding the conditions he or she finds necessary to be able to give a professional performance, they are also making success more likely for everyone who is relying on them.
So selfishness is relative to circumstances as well as behaviour. On the grand scale, it may paradoxically prove less selfish than unselfishness.
