If the source of America's social disintegration is to be pinpointed so that it might be remedied, honesty compels us not to neglect this issue [selfishness]. ... Self-centeredness and its related vices--crime, illegitimacy, child neglect--are exploding in America because, after centuries of Western philosophy devoted to the purpose, Americans are glorifying extreme individualism beyond healthy limits, and beyond anything ever experienced by another national culture.