I'm here to tell you that altruism is rubbish. Like the concept of perfection, altruism is an abstract and vaguely defined concept. Even narcissists give blood. Any behavior resembling altruism is in reality self-serving.
So what's the difference between behavior that is intended for self-preservation and behavior that is selfish? Let's say you're an emperor and your word is law. You could rule like Ultra King Arthur who's rule is just and right or you could rule as Nega-Caligula with hedonism and cruelty. With either option, consider what you give up and what you gain? I don't know about you, but my own personal harem is appealing, however, I think the group will not accept me.
The difference between selfishness and self-preservation is this: Behavior based on self-preservation involves sacrifices which serve to ensure our survival (ensuring our own survival not being selfish?) while selfish behavior is about refusing sacrifice and is effectively self-destructive. Of course, considering that we can make sacrifices for selfish reasons, for instance, endangering your life for the safety of an endangered loved one, I believe that the human machine is entirely selfish. That being the case, any negative connotations attached to the word should be reconsidered. Instead, you should consider each selfish action as one you like or one you don't.
By the way, Ultra King Arthur vs. Nega-Caligula. Mirite?
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