h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There's few things more likely to make my blood boil than selfishness. This takes a variety of forms. Sometimes it's just a simple failure to consider others. Sometimes it's an unjustifiable prioritisation of self-interest over the more important interests of others. Sometimes it's acting in a way that, should everyone act like that, would cause chaos.

Minor examples - putting bags/coats on seats on public transport when it's crowded. And then doing the startled deer impression when asked to move them, as if completely unaware that the bus or train is rather full. What kind of person would rather have people stand than give up having an empty seat next to them?

Similarly - crowding round doors so that people can't get on or off easily. How many times have I seen a bus drive straight past a stop just because people crowding round the door lead the driver to think that it's full? Why won't some people give up their seats for the elderly/infirm/parents with very young children? What is *wrong* with these people?

This IS and excellent example of a lack of propriety rising to the level of sin. However, I don't normally refer to it as selfishness so much as ego-centricity.

I suggest that this kind of behaviour be filed under my favorite term, Jerkism.

Totally agree with you Otto. Totally!

I have a sister who took a bloody degree in selfishness and she makes my blood boil over, not just boil!

And I thought being hot-blooded was a good thing!?