Looking out for Number One can make you happy, if you have no choice
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - 17:01
in Psychology & Sociology
As young children, we're taught that "sharing means caring" and, as we mature, we learn to take others' point of view. If we make a decision that favors self-interest, we often feel guilt for prioritizing ourselves over others. In prioritizing others, however, we sometimes forego the things that we know will make us happy. This raises an intriguing question: Is there any way to pursue self-interest without feeling bad about it? Can we have the proverbial cake and it eat it, too? New research suggests that having our self-interest imposed upon us may help us to avoid feelings of guilt.