What is the spiritual root of selfishness?

When one is engrossed in the pursuit of pleasure and hedged in by the pride of birth, there is little opportunity for serious thought upon any subject outside the narrow limit of their sphere, as the following spirit conversation attests—

Do you see those beautiful dwellings shaded by magnificent trees? Yes—they are built of what seems to be polished stone of many colours—I have never seen anything more beautiful—the great lawns surrounding them filled with flowers, fountains and birds. Why are they so isolated?

You will find many such, some far more beautiful, they are occupied by families who belonged to what is termed the highly aristocratic classes. They look upon themselves as superior and refuse to mingle with what they call common society. They are unsocial, unprogressive, and many families of this class remain here a much longer time than you remained upon earth. 

Intense selfishness closes the avenues through which they might advance. It is strange that these refined souls do not perceive the advantages that would accure should they advance to the higher spheres.