The first time i got to know about objectivist ethics and egoism was through 
THE DEFINITION OF SELFISHNESS
“Selfishness” is: concern with one’s own interests. and does not take into consideration the moral evaluation in its definition as to its good or evil. This definition led me to discover the origin of the word. The word was coined until recently around the 15th century. The word was first coined and used on people who characteristically behaved in seeking their own interest primarily by a presbyterian ach Bishop.
There are different views of life and we are what our thoughts make us. I recently started reading "The Virtue of Selfishness" by Ayn Rand. The subject in play was really confusing at first sight and nearly everyone who has been clothed in the General way of thinking will find this book as a corrupt thought on first gland. But all within this witty book shows otherwise and in order to develop oneself, one needs to seek his interest in a particular moral concept.
Its indeed funny and instinctual that one always and automatically think about himself before making a decision. But because of our moral code and "hypocrisy", we are inclined to seemingly care for others before us. I think this thought sews the seed to destruction in certain sense. How and why should one sacrifice when we all can add value to the table. This is the excerpt that makes steemit successful in the long run. Both curators and voters get rewarded through their activities. And the whole general internet populace gets to read the best articles which has been sorted by the voters. This is purely value for value in all aspects.
There is no sustainability in sacrifices. Imagine filling a tank with a finite amount of water from another tank. At a point in time, if the flow of water is unidirectional, one tank will be full and the other empty. This is the same issue that comes into play and as such the best line of action is to be at least selfish and conserve your water until you find a source to fuel both tanks. It simply means, in an attempt to give value to someone, don't do so at your own expense. It makes no sense to go hungry feeding someone who cant find food to feed himself. After you die out of hunger, this fella will follow suite and die.
Though the virtue of selfishness is dependent on a rational morality principle, it cannot be underestimated. In its purest form, it brings out the best in every individual as one lives a life of challenge, seeking to move forward every moment. Without an objective view, its a disaster and can cause more harm than good. Nevertheless, i strongly believe all great achievers are objectively selfish and its this quality that drives them to greatness. Indeed there is virtue in selfishness.
References:
The virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand
Origin of Selfishness