Man—every man—is an end in himself, not a means to the…
“Man—every man—is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others; he must live for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself; he must work for his rational self-interest, with the achievement of his own happiness as the highest moral purpose of his life.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individuals should pursue their own rational self‑interest and happiness, not be used as means for others.
In simple terms: Live for yourself, not as a tool for others.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal happiness as life’s highest purpose.
Themes
individualism
self‑interest
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal goals
- financial planning
Key Concepts
rational egoism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you balancing self‑interest with responsibility?
- What limits should guide your pursuits?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring others can harm community well‑being.