Selfishness vs Altruism Debate

Comments debate the rationality and morality of selfishness versus altruism, questioning whether acting in one's self-interest harms society or benefits everyone when practiced rationally.

📉 Falling 0.4x Politics & Society
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#658
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Keywords

AI OP HN goodreads.com youtube.com GCD selfish self interests uh gene act society individuals altruism rational

Sample Comments

cardine May 28, 2013 View on HN

What is wrong with looking out for you own self interests?

mattm May 6, 2010 View on HN

Despite what others say, it is perfectly normal and rational to be selfish.The people telling you not to be selfish do so because when you act selfishly, it goes against their selfish interests.

Detrus Aug 31, 2014 View on HN

The author's point is it's not only self interest.

hungryforcodes Feb 20, 2023 View on HN

Ah, I see what you mean. So self-serving, instead of benefitting society as a whole.

testvox May 12, 2018 View on HN

What is wrong with being selfish?

teekert Jun 20, 2025 View on HN

Selfishness tends to work well for everyone when practiced by a rational individual ;)

hyperthesis Jan 1, 2023 View on HN

observe selflessly, act selfishly

matz1 Aug 20, 2020 View on HN

Likewise, wanting other people to sacrifice their interest againts your interest is selfish too.

nicoburns Sep 7, 2021 View on HN

Not OP, but yes I think everyone should act against their own interests (when they are selfish) and instead act for the good of everyone

bobbyadamson Aug 26, 2018 View on HN

You're implying that being selfish is inherently bad. Of course it's selfish. You're doing something for you. It's only a problem if it unfairly hurts someone else. How is that the case here?