Why Dwayne Wade Wants Men to Be More 'Selfish'

Dwyane Wade, the three-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and cultural icon, is flipping the script on what it means to be selfish. In a candid conversation with journalist Marc Lacey at The New York Times Well Festival, Wade opened up about masculinity, mental health, and the daily rituals he relies on to stay grounded in life after the NBA.

“Men keep a lot in, and it’s going to come out in ways you don’t want it to,” Wade said, pointing to the emotional pressure so many men carry in silence. For him, self-care isn’t indulgence. "I'm just trying to win every day, and I'm trying to be the best version of myself from the next day to the next day."

Emphasizing that despite the negative connotations around the word selfish, “we need to be a little bit more.” For him, it is through self-care that he’s able to be fully present for others. “I get up at 5 or 6 in the morning, and I’m selfish for at least two hours before my family wakes up so I take care of me,” he shared.

During the 30 minute conversation, he spoke about fatherhood and vulnerability, themes he’s embraced more publicly in recent years, especially since retiring from the game. He emphasized that true strength isn’t just physical, but also emotional.

In a powerful moment during the discussion, Wade highlighted the importance of mental health by rewarding the only man in the audience who raised his hand when asked if he goes to therapy. The gift? A bottle of Wade’s latest fragrance collaboration with Aramis. An unexpected moment, yet fitting token of praise for vulnerability.

By redefining “selfish” as a form of self-respect, Wade hopes more men will embrace the habits that help them unlock what he calls “the beast inside," and show up better for their families and loved ones.