The big definition in my head is Self-Centered vs. Selfish. Everyone IS self-centered (or those who aren't have something seriously wrong with them.)
Every person is the hub of a wheel that expands out into infinite directions, and everything revolves around that hub. Hubs connect to other hubs, but no other hubs are as important to the others as their own.
Selfish is not taking responsibilities or consequences into account when acting on behalf of that hub.
Self-preservation includes denying access from another hub for the sake of your own hub in order to maintain the hub's physical and mental well-being. Self-preservation can be done in a responsible, accountable manner, even if it denies another hub what it wants or needs.
What first comes to mind...
Every person is the hub of a wheel that expands out into infinite directions, and everything revolves around that hub. Hubs connect to other hubs, but no other hubs are as important to the others as their own.
Selfish is not taking responsibilities or consequences into account when acting on behalf of that hub.
Self-preservation includes denying access from another hub for the sake of your own hub in order to maintain the hub's physical and mental well-being. Self-preservation can be done in a responsible, accountable manner, even if it denies another hub what it wants or needs.