self-interested values

[self-ˈin-tə-rə-stəd ˈval-yüz]
noun phrase
valores egoístas
1. principles or ideals that prioritize one's own personal gain, advantage, or benefit over the welfare of others or the greater good
The politician's self-interested values were evident in his decision to prioritize corporate donations over environmental protection.
Os valores egoístas do político ficaram evidentes em sua decisão de priorizar doações corporativas em vez da proteção ambiental.
2. a system of beliefs centered on personal profit, advancement, or satisfaction at the potential expense of collective well-being
Critics argued that the company's self-interested values led to the exploitation of workers in developing countries.
Os críticos argumentaram que os valores egoístas da empresa levaram à exploração de trabalhadores em países em desenvolvimento.
In Brazilian culture, which often emphasizes personal relationships and family loyalty ('jogo de cintura'), self-interested values are frequently criticized in public discourse but are pragmatically understood in business contexts. In the USA, individualism is more culturally accepted, though 'self-interested values' still carries negative connotations when applied to public figures or corporations. The term is commonly used in political debates, ethics discussions, and social commentary in both countries.
NYC Slang
looking out for number one
Synonyms / Sinônimos
selfish valuesself-centered principlesmercenary valuesself-serving idealsegocentric beliefs
Antonyms / Antônimos
altruistic valuesselfless principlescommunal valuescollective welfareprosocial values

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
valores egoístas
Most common and widely understood translation across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
valores egoístas / valores de interesse próprio
Both forms used interchangeably in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
valores interesseiros
More colloquial variation emphasizing personal interest
Portugal
valores egoístas / valores de auto-interesse
Portuguese uses 'auto-interesse' more formally in academic contexts

Related Words

egoismself-interestgreednarcissismmaterialismpersonal gainethical valuesmoral principles

Related Idioms & Phrases

putting one's own interests first
looking after oneself
every man for himself
looking out for number one
having an axe to grind
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