Selfishness

I find the word selfish an interesting world first of all due in part to its negative reputation. I pose the question what is wrong with selfishness?

Selfishness is an accusation by other people when one puts oneself first. To me, putting one's needs and interests first quite denotes a level of self-esteem. Once we are adults who is there other then oneself to put ones interest first?

Let us also consider the opposite to selfishness or selflessness. I immediately think of the Christian martyrs who all seemed to die horrific deaths at least in the past. I don't know about you but I have no desire to die a horrific death. Selflessness would be putting others interests before your own. There are places where this naturally occurs like in the field of parenthood. Psychologically speaking one cannot help others or even love others until they love and take care of oneself. Selfishness is not a term we use about ourselves but is an accusation made my others who have their own self interest at heart.

So lets say for a second I completely own selfishness. That I go about my morning doing only the things I like to do and the things that make me feel good. Let me cast off the expectations of others and do what suits me best. Let me be my own person through dress, language, occupation and hobbies. Let me realize my potential and celebrate me in all my gifts and worthiness. Let me cast off everyone elses opinion of me and not to care what others think of me. To me this isn't selfishness but self actualization. I would argue that so-called selfish people are the truly happy among us because in doing what is best for self life is good.