Enlightened Self-Interest

Individualism, Community, and the Common Good

By: Thomas J. Bussen, Henry Biggs, Timothy Bono

Narrated by: Stephen Caffrey

Societally sanctioned competition for money, power, and fame promotes selfishness, personal alienation, and widespread inequality, especially in market-oriented economies. Yet many of those engaging in this competitive individualism—the competition for rewards and limited resources—yearn to act directly to promote a more civil, equitable, and sustainable society.

Enlightened Self-Interest offers evidence-based insights into the societal and individual consequences of this cultural practice and an actionable alternative to it. This meticulously researched and empirically rooted reexamination of hypercompetition and zero-sum thinking presents inspiring examples of people who have reclaimed their own lives by contributing to a more civil, equitable, and sustainable society. They model the vision of enlightened self-interest, merging self-interest with other interests in pursuit of the common good, resulting in widely shared benefits.

Enlightened Self-Interest provides a compelling case for incremental change and a series of actionable recommendations to jump-start a personal transition and to become part of a collective radical evolution.

©2024 Thomas J. Bussen, Henry Biggs, Timothy Bono (P)2024 Tantor

Great Insights

An important read about how to live a happier more connected life and how we can make positive cultural change to benefit all.