What's the most selfish thing you've ever done?
A funny video that shows the sneaky and clever antics of a chicken keeping his food away from an alpaca got us thinking about selfishness...
When we stumbled upon this video, it gave us a good laugh – but it also made us reflect on the idea of selfishness.
As children, we're taught that sharing is the right thing to do. Whether it’s toys or sweets, generosity is encouraged because it aligns with what society deems acceptable.
Even if sharing felt unnatural, children were often nudged – or even pressured – into letting go of their sense of ownership.
Today, many experts see selfishness and sharing in a new light. Rather than discouraging a child's reluctance to share, they suggest parents allow kids to fully experience their emotions.
The term "selfish" has even evolved into "selfull".
As clinical psychologist Julia Colwell explains, "Selfullness allows for self and connection, regard for me and for you
and for that wonderful area of new possibility, discovery, and
innovation: co-creativity."
In the video, a chicken stands on a metal contraption called a treadle feeder, eating its food. As an alpaca approaches, hoping to share the meal, the chicken steps off the feeder causing it to close.
"This clever behaviour highlights the chicken's ability to adapt and protect her resources from the larger, opportunistic alpacas," says the caption on Instagram.
But is this strategic thinking or selfishness? The chicken isn't just refusing to share – it’s using survival instincts to protect its food source.
Watch the video below from Instagram.
While selfishness is often seen as a negative trait, being completely selfless isn’t an ideal to strive for either. Colwell warns that extreme selflessness can lead to "depression, anxiety, and living without passion or direction".
Instead of rejecting our natural instinct to protect what’s ours, we can shift toward a mindset of selfullness – a balance between caring for ourselves and others.
What’s the most selfish thing you’ve ever done?
Maybe it was something harmless, like sneaking off to eat your chocolate in peace, or perhaps you once cut a long queue by pretending to be injured or pregnant. No judgement here!
But let’s be honest, no one openly boasts about their selfish moments, which might be the clearest sign that selfishness carries a sense of shame…
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