Behaviorists reject the classic economic theory of human beings as ultra-rational self-interested actors and, drawing on psychology, examine the causes of seemingly irrational economic choices, such as not taking advantage of money offered in an employer-provided retirement plan or giving away more money to charity than can be explained by purely selfish motives.

NEWYORKER: Money Talks

Which is why Armitage argues that China development power has fallen flat: Until China stands for something other than itself, Beijing will continue to be viewed in the international community as being selfish and its motives suspect.

CNN: Analysis: Keeping a check on America's banker

Despite Youk's consent, prosecutors showed that even Kevorkian admitted on the tape that his motives in Youk's death may have been selfish.

CNN: Kevorkian Case: Kevorkian trial set

That can only be done by changing perceptions of the party's motives above all, the belief that Tories are mean-spirited and selfish.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Though the motives of these groups to profit, convert, learn or conquer have usually been selfish, the overall effect of their actions has been to draw us all closer together.

ECONOMIST: Globalisation