The self-centered thought is not who we are.  The self-centered thought is
different from the mind that wants to be happy because we're sentient
beings.  Everybody wants to be happy.  There's no problem with wanting to be
happy.  The problem is the way the self-centered thought goes about thinking
of our happiness and the way it goes about getting happiness.  It is a
distorted mental state that can be eliminated by seeing its disadvantages,
applying the antidotes, and cultivating the mind that cherishes others.
  - Thubten Chodron, from "Don't Believe Everything You Think: Living with
    Wisdom and Compassion", published by Shambhala Publications