Selfish vs. Altruistic — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
Selfish actions prioritize personal gain, often at others' expense, while altruistic actions focus on benefiting others, sometimes at personal cost.
Difference Between Selfish and Altruistic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Selfishness is driven by a focus on one's own interests and benefits, often disregarding the well-being of others. In contrast, altruism involves actions that are intended to help others, even if it comes with a personal sacrifice.
A selfish person may make decisions that primarily secure their own advantages, potentially harming others if necessary. Whereas an altruistic individual places the needs and welfare of others above their own, aiming to promote greater good without expecting anything in return.
In social interactions, selfish behavior can lead to conflicts and isolation as others may feel exploited or undervalued. On the other hand, altruistic behavior tends to foster trust, cooperation, and strong interpersonal relationships.
The motivations behind selfish actions are often based on acquiring more resources, status, or power. In contrast, altruistic motivations are typically connected to empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to improve others' circumstances.
From a psychological perspective, selfish individuals focus on maximizing their utility, aligning closely with rational choice theory. Conversely, altruists may experience personal joy and satisfaction from seeing their actions benefit others, which can enhance their own psychological well-being.
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Comparison Chart
Primary focus
Personal gain
Well-being of others
Common motivations
Gain resources, status, power
Empathy, compassion
Social impact
Can lead to conflict and isolation
Promotes trust and cooperation
Psychological basis
Maximizing personal utility
Satisfaction from helping others
Outcome expectations
Expect personal benefits
No expectation of personal gain
Compare with Definitions
Selfish
Lacking consideration for others.
It was selfish of her to monopolize the conversation during the meeting.
Altruistic
Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
An altruistic donor gave anonymously to the charity.
Selfish
Concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself.
A selfish person might take the largest slice of cake without asking others.
Altruistic
Promotes social cohesion and cooperation.
Altruistic leadership fosters a collaborative team environment.
Selfish
Often associated with greed and egotism.
Her selfish behavior at work stems from a desire to outshine everyone else.
Altruistic
Actions done without any expectation of personal benefit.
Volunteering at the shelter was an altruistic use of her time.
Selfish
Acting to increase one's own welfare, often at others' expense.
He made a selfish decision that benefited him but cost his team the game.
Altruistic
Motivated by empathy and compassion towards others.
His altruistic nature makes him a supportive friend.
Selfish
Prioritizing personal gain over others' needs.
His selfish approach to business alienates his colleagues.
Altruistic
Often involves personal sacrifice.
The firefighter's altruistic actions saved lives at her own risk.
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself, and having little regard for others
A selfish child who wouldn't share toys.
Altruistic
Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.
Selfish
Showing or arising from an excessive concern with oneself and a lack of concern for others
A selfish whim.
Altruistic
(Zoology) Instinctive behavior that is detrimental to the individual but favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes, as by benefiting its relatives.
Selfish
The present quote doesn't illustrate the meaning very well.Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
Altruistic
Regardful of others; beneficent; unselfish
His helping the old woman with her shopping was deemed highly altruistic by everyone, especially since her home was a mile away.
Selfish
Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.
Altruistic
Regardful of others; beneficent; unselfish; - opposed to egoistic or selfish.
Selfish
(video game characters) Relying on their own actions and capabilities to be effective in the game, rather than on other characters.
Altruistic
Showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
Selfish
Caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others.
They judge of things according to their own private appetites and selfish passions.
In that throng of selfish hearts untrue.
Selfish
Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from love of self.
Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers.
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or only with yourself;
Selfish men were...trying to make capital for themselves out of the sacred cause of civil rights
Common Curiosities
How do selfish and altruistic behaviors impact relationships?
Selfish behaviors can strain relationships, whereas altruistic behaviors typically strengthen them.
How does altruism benefit the individual?
Altruism can enhance an individual's psychological well-being and social relationships.
What defines a selfish person?
A selfish person prioritizes their own interests often at the expense of others.
Is altruism always beneficial in a society?
Generally, altruism is beneficial as it fosters trust and cooperation, though extreme altruism can sometimes lead to personal detriment.
What psychological theories address altruism?
Theories such as evolutionary psychology and social exchange theory explore the origins and functions of altruism.
Can selfishness ever be considered positive?
Selfishness can be seen as positive when it involves healthy self-care without harming others.
What are the risks of being too altruistic?
Extreme altruism may lead to neglecting one's own needs or being exploited by others.
Are people born altruistic or is it learned?
Altruism is believed to be a combination of innate tendencies and social upbringing.
Can organizations behave altruistically?
Yes, organizations can act altruistically, often through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
How do cultural differences affect perceptions of selfishness and altruism?
Cultural values significantly influence how selfish or altruistic behaviors are perceived and valued.
What are examples of altruistic acts in everyday life?
Helping someone carry groceries or donating blood are examples of everyday altruistic acts.
Can altruism be motivated by selfish reasons?
Sometimes altruistic acts can have underlying selfish motives, like seeking approval or a positive self-image.
How do children learn altruistic behaviors?
Children learn altruism through modeling by adults and experiencing the benefits of cooperative behavior.
How can one encourage altruistic behavior in a community?
Encouraging altruistic behavior can be achieved by recognizing and rewarding acts of kindness and promoting community values.
What role does empathy play in altruism?
Empathy is a key motivator for altruistic behavior, driving the desire to help others.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
