So you are saying that we are best able to help others after we have helped ourselves. Isn't that a bit selfish?

QUESTION: So you are saying that we are best able to help others after we have helped ourselves. Isn't that a bit selfish?
ANSWER: We usually see altruism, concern for others before oneself; as being the opposite of selfishness, concern for oneself before others. Buddhism does not see it as either one or the other but rather as a blending of the two. Genuine self—concern will gradually mature into concern for others as one sees that others arc really the same as oneself. This is genuine compassion. Compassion is the most beautiful jewel in the crown of the Buddha’s teachings.