self-interest（n.）
"关注或追求个人利益，为自己谋取利益"，来自1640年代的 self- + interest（n.）。特别是指"自私，追求自我利益，排除对他人的关注"。相关词汇： Self-interested，"以自我利益为特征"（1650年代）； self-interestedness。
[Self-interest] is a doctrine not very lofty, but clear and sure. It does not seek to attain great objects; but it attains those it aims for without too much effort. ... [It] does not produce great devotion; but it suggests little sacrifices each day; by itself it cannot make a man virtuous; but it forms a multitude of citizens who are regulated, temperate, moderate, farsighted, masters of themselves; and if it does not lead directly to virtue through the will, it brings them near to it insensibly through habits. [Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"]
[自利]是一种不太高尚但清晰而确定的信条。它不寻求实现伟大的目标； 但它可以在不费太多努力的情况下实现其目标。...[它]不会产生伟大的奉献精神； 但它每天都会提出一些小小的牺牲； 它本身不能使一个人变得有德行； 但它形成了一大批自律、节制、适度、有远见、自我掌控的公民； 如果它不能通过意志直接导致美德，那么它通过习惯不知不觉地使他们接近美德。[亚历克西斯·德·托克维尔，《论美国的民主》]
该词起源时间：1640年代