Good gone bad

No “good” thing is actually good ad infinitum .

Take selflessness. Certainly, narcissism is bad. But isn't self-loathing also bad? In between are infinite gradations of self-consideration, and somewhere among those gradations we notice changes that are producing a person much more capable of functioning well, collaborating well, and minimizing unnecessary collateral damage in life.

An extremely selfless person with no consideration for her own needs, aspirations, growth, and autonomy will not care for herself, because that would involve sacrificing time that could be used to serve others. Unfortunately, such a strategy will be short-lived; because of her lack of self-care, she will wither away quickly and become unable to help anyone. But, if she acts "a little selfishly" by spending some time on exercise, education, culture, nature, relationships, and self-care, she will be able to interact and contribute more meaningfully within the community for many years.

Even on something like selflessness, both extremes are problematic.