Ultimately I think we truly are self-centered but also craft our self image by reflecting off others. Ideas seem to spread best when they allow each individual to become part of the story–by participating I simultaneously become more social and define my self more narrowly (this is who I am and this is not who I am, based on the information I consume and share). And none of us like to remain static–we are drawn to the new so that we feel new.
Ultimately I think we truly are self-centered but also craft our self image by reflecting off others. Ideas seem to spread best when they allow each individual to become part of the story–by participating I simultaneously become more social and define my self more narrowly (this is who I am and this is not who I am, based on the information I consume and share). And none of us like to remain static–we are drawn to the new so that we feel new.