Egotism(self-centeredness) V. Independance(self-suffiecentence)

I think being self sufficient is inherently non-egoistic. You are ensuring that you will not need help, allowing it to be given to others instead of you. Could you explain the paradox to me?

I know many self-sufficient that are self-sufficient becaue they don't want to exploit others, and as Jebediah said, wants the needy to recive the help instead.

I myself abhore to get help, but ask help from time to time, basicly I'm very helpful and donate things without wanting anything in return.

I always readily lend out my video tapes to class mates in school, without asking money where as others did.

My basis of reasoning to be self-sufficient is not to be a leech on others, but also get the experience from unexperienced to experienced. If you just get everything served without any effort from youself, you will be sorely ignorent about the workprocess and the deeper value of things. Many decadent people does not understand the value of the fruits of labour, therefore grow bored and sad, because they cant appreciate things.