People only do good things for selfish reasons.

Is there really a difference between self-interest and selfishness if the only reason why a person does something is for their self-interest? The only reason people do nice things is because they want to and/or they like to. If someone doesn't want/like to do nice things, They won't do it. I forgot to respond to your apology example: A person apologizes for a few reasons: 1. They don't want to feel bad 2. They don't want it to be on their mind 3. They don't want the other person to be mad at them Notice that all these reasons are based in something the person apologizing wants. In reality it doesn't have anything to do with what the other person wants unless the person apologizing wants the same thing. "Selfish people usually expect a large scale things in return. " Where does it say that? The definition of selfish is "(of a person, Action, Or motive) lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure. " It does not say they expect something back. Being selfish just means that they are exclusively interested in they want. "What about the case for a person that does something for someone else and the person says 'No need to thank me. '? " They are still acting in their own interest. A person who says "No need to thank me" may be seen as humble, Which is a desirable trait. Also, A person who says "no need to thank me" is more likely to receive something in return than a person that says "I expect a reward. " The mother isn't selfish because they received something back. The mother is inherently selfish, As all people are. "Did you not accept it at one point? If it's natural, Then you wouldn't have had to come to a point of acceptance. " First of all, Where did I say I didn't accept it at one point? You're reaching there. Second of all, Even if I didn't accept it at first, How does that mean it's not true? Is it not possible to be wrong about something at first? "I'll establish one example of a difference between selfish vs self interest (ones self). " Where did you do this? I don't see any example, All I see are definitions and explanations of the definition. "Selfishness is different than self-interest. " Going by definition, Yes, But like I said before, Their paths can cross. "Selfish people tend to be exclusively concerned about only themselves. They don't care about anyone else and have no regard for other people. " Sure, Unless doing something good for other people benefits them. Also, What you seem to not understand is that their benefit or reward may not be obvious. Their reward may just be feeling good about themselves, Or getting someone to like them, Or gaining a better reputation. It can be something very small. "Selfish individuals may act in a manner that's detrimental to others. " Yes, But they may also act in a manner that's beneficial to others as well. The point is they would do what is best for themselves or what they want. People sometimes do things to hurt other people, And sometimes they do things to help other people. Either way, Their reasoning is based in selfishness/self-interest. Another thing to understand about my point is that people don't even understand their own reasoning. While they think they care about others, They are, In actuality, Only caring about themselves. What they think they're doing when they care about others is really just them benefiting themselves.