Self interest rightly understood VS altruism Essay

Self interest rightly understood VS altruism - Essay Example Although everybody has his or her own life, the principle of self-interest rightly understood underlies the concept of mutual interdependency among a democratic American society. Another important point is the admirable conformity of self-interest to human weaknesses. It is easy to learn and retain the traits of altruism and combine personal interests towards a common good that override selfish interests of individuality. An example of the concept of self-interest rightly understood is its self-regarding nature that connects a person’s private life with that of others in the society. The article mentions that it is a remedy to unnecessary individualism and self-centeredness. Self-interest rightly understood encourages collectivism regarding altruism in a way that convinces people that their actions in the society still come back to them and affect their private life. The article cites Montaigne who mentions that virtuousness results in happiness in the society. This confirms that a person’s private interest should be to do well and adhere to the traditional doctrine of interest towards common