Survey: S'poreans are self-centred

Survey: S'poreans are self-centred

The average Singaporean has an 'unhealthy level of self-centredness' and considers themselves more gracious than others, according to a survey of 1,001 citizens carried out by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM).

In the third 'The State of Graciousness in Singapore' survey, the SKM said they found a 'significant gap' between Singaporeans' self-perception compared to how they saw fellow citizens.Of the respondents, 43 per cent, or 435, rated themselves high on graciousness, while only 15 per cent rated others likewise.The SKM added that 88 per cent felt they had done a kind act in the last six months, but only 55 per cent said they had received one in the same time.In addition, 10 per cent said they had not experienced kindness and were not bothered with doing kindness - which the SKM called 'worrying'.Dr William Wan, General Manager of SKM, said: "The findings showed an unhealthy level of self-centredness and self-absorption, and not being aware of and not appreciating the efforts of others. This is the attitude that we want to change."Illustration photo courtesy of ST
Source: The Straits Times/ANN
Published July 4 2011