Self-Interest Quotes
Sharp lines on motive, society, and cynical self-interest.
This collection gathers thoughts on how personal motives shape public life, from political defenses to the tension between comradeship and self-interest. Several lines question whether wisdom or principle can truly outweigh what benefits us individually.
Popular Quotes Topics for You.
A society that is all self-interest and no comradeship is not a society at all. But a society that is all comradeship and no self-interest is also not a society; it is a sect - or, on the largest scale,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do these self-interest quotes say about society?
They suggest a healthy society needs both self-interest and comradeship - too much of either unbalances it.
Do any quotes link self-interest to politics?
Yes, one speaker openly admits backing a political figure out of cynical self-interest rather than principle.
Is self-interest shown as purely negative here?
Not entirely - one quote notes that even wisdom sometimes has to yield to it, treating self-interest as a natural force rather than only a flaw.
What tone do these quotes take?
Mostly reflective and a little wry, weighing personal motive against duty and loyalty to others.
Who might relate to these self-interest quotes?
Readers thinking about motives in leadership, friendship, or public life will find these lines useful for framing that debate.
Other quotes here look at self-interest through a more cynical lens, including a supporter who admits backing a cause for personal gain. Together they paint self-interest as a constant undercurrent in both private choices and public life.
