When did altruism trump Self-interest's? "America first," is emblematic of Trump's "winning" message because it appeals to the "self" in all of us. Many Americans are weary of always worrying about and feeling responsible for taking care of others with our tax dollars, entitlement programs, and the lives of our soldiers.
The larger the "safety net" the democrats create, the more people they bring under their umbrella for entitlements and goodies from Uncle Sam, the more votes they believe they gain. But Democrats are having a big problem because the message of altruism is not winning them elections like it used to. Altruism, this notion that we support our government, so our government can help all the needy people, is wearing thin. As our government debt explodes, people are smart enough today to know that it is near impossible for government to keep all the promises and obligations it has already! So folks are thinking about making more money themselves and keeping more of it. In fact, as the economy picks us, the Democrat's message of altruism becomes even less appealing.
Ironically, it is Trump's "winning" message and all the benefits that come from a faster pace of economic growth, more profits, and higher wages, that will ultimately produce the greatest results in terms of creating better paying jobs, tax revenue, and opportunities for the needy.
This is the beauty of Capitalism. Rather than taking away from others in an effort to redistribute what people have, as a socialist system does, capitalism recognizes that an economy is not a zero sum game. And that it is better to expand wealth rather than focus on sharing it! That is why Capitalism is so successful and Socialism is a flawed and often failed economic system. The vision of success over altruism is winning hearts, minds, and elections.
Capitalism is a blessing, not a curse. Capitalism is what made America great. That is one reason why Trump's campaign slogan "Make AMERICA Great" is so powerful. His short punchy slogans tap into the very essence of the American spirit. Which turns out to also be an America that is better for EVERYONE.
Another reason for why capitalism and America is so successful and powerful is that Americans are also very generous. Philanthropy, the likes of which no other nation on the planet has ever witnessed is going to take place in the coming decades. As BILLIONAIRES like Gates, Buffet, Jobs, and Bezos and many others pass on their wealth to family, as well as causes, they will complete the circle that is inherent in the design of Capitalism. Because ultimately, nobody can "take it with them."
The fundamental difference between capitalism and socialism is that people know better what to do with their money than the government does. The government takes the $1 through taxes and fees, but then it spends $3, two of them wastefully with some lost to fraud and abuse. An entreprenuer will save or borrow a dollar, and turn that into $3, and in the process they will help untold others through job creation, wages, investment, etc. Plus, the business person will still manage to do so despite the fact that local, state and federal government will take more than half of it away. In the end, no matter how many billions of dollars that business person amasses, ALL of it, 100%, is passed on to future generations! Government, on the other hand, passes on DEBT -- and we don't even have good infrastructure to show for it!
In conclusion, to the question, "When Did Altruism Trump Self-interest?" The answer is, IT DIDN'T! Which is one of the many reasons that Capitalism is still the best economic model human beings have ever designed. And why the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes where Capitalism is most efficient and prevalent.