innocence of “rivalry.” We are encouraged to believe in ourselves and make the most of every opportunity, even at the expense of another’s reputation or feelings. The “I owe it to myself” mentality has escorted Americans along the broad pathway of selfishness. “Looking out for number one” has become America’s main objective. What does all of this have to do with sexual addiction? The answer is simple. What is outlined in the previous section is a direct outgrowth of two roots of sexual addiction: