Selfish vs. Self Centered: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 26, 2023
Selfish means lacking consideration for others, focusing on one's own benefit, while self-centered refers to being preoccupied with oneself and one's own affairs.
Key Differences
Selfish behavior is primarily concerned with one's own benefits, often at the expense of others. In contrast, being self-centered means an excessive focus on oneself, without necessarily harming others.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
A selfish person might actively harm or disregard others’ needs to gain something, whereas a self-centered individual might simply ignore others’ needs, being absorbed in their own world.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Selfishness is often seen in actions that are intended to benefit oneself, even if it means sacrificing others’ interests. Self-centeredness, however, is more about an attitude or mindset, focused on one's own interests and perspectives.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Selfish acts are typically deliberate and calculated to gain advantage, while self-centered behavior can be unconscious, stemming from a lack of awareness or empathy towards others.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
In essence, selfishness is a behavioral trait, displaying a lack of generosity or consideration, whereas being self-centered is characterized by an overarching self-absorption, not always linked to tangible gains.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Behavioral vs. Attitudinal
Behavioral trait, actions taken for self-gain
Attitudinal, a state of mind
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Dec 26, 2023
Impact on Others
Can actively harm or disregard others
May not harm others, but ignores their needs
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Dec 26, 2023
Awareness
Often deliberate and calculated
Can be due to lack of awareness or empathy
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Dec 26, 2023
Motivation
Gain advantage, even at others' expense
Self-absorption, not necessarily for gain
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Dec 26, 2023
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Selfish and Self Centered Definitions
Selfish
It indicates a disregard for others’ feelings or needs.
Ignoring her friend's request was a selfish act.
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Dec 12, 2023
Self Centered
Self-centered describes someone overly focused on themselves.
He's so self-centered, always talking about his own achievements.
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Dec 12, 2023
Selfish
Selfish means lacking consideration for others' welfare.
He was selfish for eating the last piece of cake.
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Dec 12, 2023
Self Centered
It involves being preoccupied with one's own affairs.
Her self-centered attitude made her oblivious to her friends' problems.
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Dec 12, 2023
Selfish
Selfish describes actions taken for personal gain.
He made a selfish choice to further his own career.
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Dec 12, 2023
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Self Centered
Self-centered means having little regard for others’ perspectives.
His self-centered viewpoint prevented him from understanding her feelings.
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Dec 12, 2023
Selfish
It involves prioritizing one's own needs over others.
Her selfish decision left everyone else at a disadvantage.
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Dec 12, 2023
Self Centered
It implies a lack of empathy or awareness of others.
Being self-centered, she didn’t notice how her words affected others.
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Dec 12, 2023
Selfish
Selfish can refer to someone who is not generous.
His selfish nature meant he rarely shared anything.
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Dec 12, 2023
Self Centered
Self-centered can indicate egocentrism.
His self-centered nature made him the center of his own universe.
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Dec 12, 2023
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself, and having little regard for others
A selfish child who wouldn't share toys.
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Dec 10, 2023
Selfish
Showing or arising from an excessive concern with oneself and a lack of concern for others
A selfish whim.
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Dec 10, 2023
Selfish
The present quote doesn't illustrate the meaning very well.Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
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Dec 10, 2023
Self Centered
Concerned or relating to the self, and not necessarily the greater good of one's group, community, tribe, etc.; individualistic.
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Dec 10, 2023
Self Centered
Centered in itself, or in one's self.
There hangs the ball of earth and water mixt,Self-centered and unmoved.
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Dec 10, 2023
Selfish
(video game characters) Relying on their own actions and capabilities to be effective in the game, rather than on other characters.
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Dec 10, 2023
Self Centered
Interested solely or primiarily in oneself, or one's own welfare; disinclined to consider the interests of others; selfish; egotistical.
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Dec 10, 2023
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.
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Dec 10, 2023
Selfish
Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from love of self.
Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers.
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Dec 10, 2023
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or only with yourself;
Selfish men were...trying to make capital for themselves out of the sacred cause of civil rights
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does being selfish mean?
Being selfish means prioritizing one's own needs, often at others' expense.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is selfishness always intentional?
Often, but not always; sometimes selfish acts can be unintentional.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can a selfish person also be self-centered?
Yes, it's possible for someone to be both selfish and self-centered.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Do self-centered people lack empathy?
They often have reduced empathy or awareness of others' needs.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does selfish behavior affect relationships?
Yes, it can negatively impact relationships due to lack of consideration.
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Dec 26, 2023
How can one stop being selfish?
By actively considering others' needs and practicing empathy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
How is self-centered different from selfish?
Self-centered refers to being overly focused on oneself, not necessarily harming others.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Are self-centered people aware of their behavior?
Not always, as it can stem from a lack of self-awareness.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can self-centeredness be changed?
Yes, with self-awareness and effort, one can become less self-centered.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can children be selfish?
Yes, children can exhibit selfish behavior, often due to developmental stages.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is selfishness a personality trait?
It can be, but it's often contextually driven.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can selfishness be positive?
Rarely, as it usually involves disregarding others’ welfare.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is selfishness linked to any psychological disorders?
Extreme selfishness can be a symptom of certain personality disorders.
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Dec 26, 2023
How does society view selfishness?
Generally negatively, as it opposes communal and cooperative values.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can self-centeredness affect one’s career?
Yes, it can limit teamwork and cooperation, key aspects of many careers.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is being self-centered always negative?
While often seen negatively, some self-focus is necessary for personal well-being.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Are self-centered people successful in life?
Success varies, but excessive self-centeredness can hinder personal relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Do selfish people feel remorse?
Some do, especially if their actions lead to negative consequences.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is there a cultural aspect to selfishness?
Cultural values and norms can influence perceptions and manifestations of selfishness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can a self-centered person be generous?
Yes, they might be generous, but often in ways that still focus on themselves.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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