Why Selfish People Are Better For Society

In a world where debates often fuel discussions and raise profound questions, one such conversation caught my attention recently. The topic? The eternal battle of selfishness versus selflessness and who contributes more to society. It was an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that left everyone in stitches, and today, we're going to dissect it. So, fasten your seatbelts as we navigate the intriguing terrain of self-interest, altruism, and the net positive index.

Mario's Transformation: From Selflessness to Selfishness

Let me share a fascinating story about Mario Aguilar. Eighteen years in my company, he was living life devoid of any extravagance, opting not to own a car, watch, or maintain substantial savings. His reasoning was simple: he didn't need them. Instead, he preferred to give his money away to others. But here's the kicker: he was asked, "What are your selfish goals?" A seemingly innocent question that, as it turns out, was profoundly eye-opening.

It dawned on him that by being slightly more driven and selfish, everyone wins. Yes, you, me, Mario, his family, and his peers—all of us become better off when we have something to chase, something that ignites our passion. So, what changed? Mario embarked on a journey to embrace his inner selfishness. He created a video about quitting alcohol, and the impact it had was astounding. It inspired countless people and propelled Mario into a world of personal growth and financial stability.

Fast forward to today, and Mario is living a life that even he couldn't have imagined just five years ago. He's married, resides on the waterfront in Florida, drives a snazzy car, and boasts substantial savings. You see, when we're a little bit selfish, the world becomes a better place.

The Net Positive Index: Finding Your Place

So, where do you stand on the net positive index? Imagine a chart with 11 different levels that determine your balance of selfishness and selflessness. On one extreme, we have individuals who are 100% selfish (criminals and sociopaths), and on the other end, those who are 100% selfless (an unattainable myth).

In the middle, we have various levels, and they're all intriguing. At 10% selfish and 90% selfless, you find individuals who are easily swayed, weak-willed, and passive, offering little to society. At 20% selfish and 80% selfless, you meet the indecisive conformists who often struggle to make their own decisions.

Now, at 30% selfish and 70% selfless, we have the passive but somewhat more assertive group. They're starting to think about themselves, making tentative strides towards progress. The 40% selfish and 60% selfless crowd plays a supportive role. They're excellent team members, but they haven't fully embraced their selfish side yet.

The real thinkers, advisors, and excellent team players are those with a 50-50 balance. They can offer perspectives from both sides, helping to make well-rounded decisions.

Striving for Balance: The Key to a Brighter Future

The most influential individuals often fall into the 60% selfish and 40% selfless category. They have their goals, dreams, and ambitions, and they relentlessly work toward them. They're not content with mediocrity; they strive for excellence and aim to elevate those around them.

As we delve further into the chart, we find the King Makers and Drivers, those who may seem disruptive but are invaluable for steering organizations to greater heights. They're a perfect blend of selflessness and selfishness, with a vision focused on the collective good.

On the other side, the Solopreneurs (80% selfish, 20% selfless) set examples of success but often struggle to lead others effectively. They're great at taking care of themselves but less skilled at nurturing a team.

The Narcissists, at 90% selfish and 10% selfless, revolve around themselves, and while they can achieve individual success, they're not genuinely beneficial to society. They're more likely to use others as pawns in their pursuit of personal gain.

So, what does this chart signify? It offers us a tool to evaluate our position and aims to inspire a sense of balance. If you lean too far towards selflessness, perhaps it's time to dial up your selfishness, not for self-centered reasons but to elevate the world around you.

Selfishness as a Force for Good

But what about situations where selflessness is essential, like being a selfless mother during pregnancy? Well, let's remember the words of Nassim Taleb, who identifies as a Libertarian at the federal level, a Republican at the state level, a Democrat at the local level, and a socialist with friends and family. At different levels, our degree of selfishness or selflessness can fluctuate.

When you introduce a bit more selfishness into your life, the ripple effect is overwhelmingly positive. Your family, peers, and community all stand to gain. So, if you feel you're too much of a narcissist or perhaps too selfless, it's time to fine-tune your balance.

In a world that often tugs at us from different directions, the key is to find equilibrium, to be a little bit selfish, and in doing so, you become a bigger net positive to society. So, which category do you fall into? Are you ready to make a shift, to embrace your inner selfishness, and in doing so, change your life and the world around you?

The choice is yours.