Narrow-minded

"Narrow-minded, " is an adjective used to describe a person who is intolerant or inflexible in their point of view regarding others. Narrow-minded often describes a person who subscribes to rigid dogma or religious viwpoints. In some instances, the word is used to describe a person who is easily offended by the relatively harmless behavior of others.

1. nar·row-mind·ed
adj.

Lacking tolerance, breadth of view, or sympathy; petty.

2. narrow-minded

adj 1: capable of being shocked [syn: shockable] [ant: unshockable] 2: lacking tolerance or flexibility or breadth of view; "a brilliant but narrow-minded judge"; "narrow opinions" [syn: narrow] [ant: broad-minded] 3: rigidly adhering to a particular sect or its doctrines

Selfishness

Selfishness is a primary or sole concern with one's own welfare.

It is considered by many to be a negative character trait; in particular, it is traditionally proscribed by most religions. Some, however, view it as positive.

One positive view of selfishness is called rational selfishness . This view is often attributed to Ayn Rand's Objectivist philosophy.

In philosophy, the term egoism is often analogous to selfishness.

self·ish
adj.
Concerned chiefly or only with oneself

1 : concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others
2 : arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others

Rational selfishness

Rational selfishness, a term generally related to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, means to seek to make yourself happy before others. Critics argue that rational selfishness permits harming others. However, Ayn Rand adds the proviso that you mustn't use force to impose your will on others. All in all, the rational selfishness can be viewed upon as the way of living your life in such a manner that your own happiness and hunt for various benefits in life can co-exist with the same will of others. This is, in essence, the basic rule of the system of which Ayn Rand was an eager defender - the capitalistic system.

Further, Ayn Rand discusses rational self-interest in which your happiness, in limited circumstances, can be enhanced by helping others; a related term is enlightened self-interest. Critics then argue that the boundaries of rational self-interest are fuzzy and that much misery can be neglected. Ayn Rand counters that various ideologies coerce individuals into self-sacrifice. Ayn Rand makes a point to argue against what she views as martyrdom.

- i've decided that it is not happy people that i don't get along with, but narrow-minded ones instead. my co-worker is a happy person and i get along with him famously. he is not narrow-minded. thinking back to conversations with the people i don't like, i've realized it's because they are narrow-minded. i like being on my soap box judging people. it makes me feel all the more bigger and powerful. muhahahahaha!