To be interested in the public good we must be…
“To be interested in the public good we must be disinterested, that is, not interested in goods in which our personal selves are wrapped up.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
To serve the public good, one must set aside personal gain and avoid self‑interest.
In simple terms: Serve the public, not yourself.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize collective benefit over personal profit.
Themes
public service
ethics
selflessness
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- nonprofit work
- community volunteering
- policy making
Key Concepts
altruism
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you recognize personal bias in your decisions?
- What structures help maintain disinterestedness?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can cloud judgment and reduce effectiveness.