I thought this was an interesting statement. The Ring certainly had a way of twisting the Bearer's thoughts into a very ego-centric path. Some, of course, were that way initially, more than others.

Frodo almost succumed to this as well...only the fact he had such an extraordinarily understanding friend in Sam, and some supremely good luck in having Gollum "save" him in the last possible second.

Independence is a good an useful trait, and necessary. However, when we get self-centered, and doing only what is good for ourselves, do we do evil.