The capacity and need to act in one’s own self-interest is a primordial instinct, irretrievably embedded in the DNA that prescribes human conduct. This is why the experiments of social engineers who seek to "create" the selfless socialist man or woman always end in unmitigated calamity. Self-interest defines human conduct, whether individual or collective. To act in one’s own self-interest does not negate the interests of others, but enhances them. To illustrate this, consider the following: when people participate in a lottery, each person wishes to be the sole winner of the main prize. While some may be content with smaller winnings, these would be received as consolation and would not detract from the insatiable desire to monopolise the main prize. Despite a common drive to advance their own interests, people are different with unique priorities, preferences and tastes. These manifest in their diverse endeavours as they strive to address their aspirations and pursue happiness. In...
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