Is being kind for selfish reasons still kindness?

<p>Tim Hawkes started us off strong by talking about fighting against selfishness and even Catholic guilt. And that a kindness is kind if it delivers a benefit. Whether it is selfish or not doesn’t matter.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dave Roberts agreed that there can be ulterior motives to being kind; suggesting that if someone is trying to improve their status in the world by doing something for someone, that isn’t kindness.</p> <p> </p> <p>Atif Agha brought in the nuance that “selfish” has a negative connotation but doing something for someone that brings you self-enrichment isn’t negative. However, a backhanded favor isn’t a kindness.</p> <p> </p> <p>My thoughts were – it doesn’t have to be bad for me to be good for you. I don’t believe in altruism. If you are kind to be manipulative, that isn’t kindness.</p> <p> </p> <p>How do you think kindness and selfishness are related?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Dave Roberts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-56690513/</p> <p>Teacher, co-author of the book When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister and a bereavement support specialist</p> <p> </p> <p>Tim Hawkes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhawkes/</p> <p>Managing Director of Unlimited Potential. Mental engineer and executive coach focusing on logical and practical solutions to challenging problems.  He is in the UK</p> <p> </p> <p>Atif Agha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atifagha/</p> <p>Technology specialist doing data analytics and avid runner, based in Chicago</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a></p> <p>AKA Mental MacGyver. My doctorate is in organizational business psychology with a concentration in sport and performance. I provide luxury level, high performance support and coaching to executives, founders, celebrities and athletes.</p> <p> </p> <p>Want a summary of the Quick Hits plus the links to the LinkedIn pages of each of the panelist to show up in your in-box every week? Let me know where to sen