In the past decades, social scientists have observed rising selfishness and callousness among Americans. Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego is an anthology of essays by learned psychologists discussing the problems of egocentrism, and ways in which egocentrism can be overcome. The theories and research point toward two important considerations: balancing the needs of the self with others, and cultivating such traits as compassion, non-defensive self-awareness, and independent self-identity. Individual essays include "The Lure of the Noisy Ego: Narcissism as a Social Trap", "Collective Angst: How Threats to the Future Vitality of the Ingroup Shape Intergroup Emotion", "Homonegativity and the Lesbian Self: Portraits of the Ego as Either Transcender or Occluder of Negative Social Stereotypes", and much more. A welcome addition to modern sociology and psychology shelves, deserving applause and recognition for its scientific focus on what is all too commonly regarded as a spiritual social problem.