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People often misunderstand the distinction between being self-centered and being selfish. The definition of the word selfish is someone concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. The definition of self-centered is someone who is concerned solely with one's own desires, needs, or interests. The two are so similar, yet so different. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous writer, wrote “Self-Reliance” in his published …

…save his reputation no matter who he effects while doing so. In each example, all three characters are forced to be selfish in order to survive. However, by doing so they ruin the lives of others. Specifically, Mary Warren who destroys Proctor and his family. The three characters were not necessarily all evil people with insidious intentions, they just needed to do what was best for them. Surprisingly enough, selfishness can often save your life.