[self-in-ter-ist, -trist, self-] 
| 1. | regard for one's own interest or advantage, esp. with disregard for others. |
| 2. | personal interest or advantage. |
| self-in·ter·est (sělf'ĭn'trĭst, -ĭn'tər-ĭst) n.
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"[Self-interest] is a doctrine not very lofty, but clear and sure. It does not seek to attain great objects; but it attains those it aims for without too much effort. ... [It] does not produce great devotion; but it suggests little sacrifices each day; by itself it cannot make a man virtuous; but it forms a multitude of citizens who are regulated, temperate, moderate, farsighted, masters of themselves; and if it does not lead directly to virtue through the will, it brings them near to it insensibly through habits." [Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"]