To hell with ideas—if people always did what, on careful…
““To hell with ideas—if people always did what, on careful consideration, was in their most selfish interest, there would be nothing with the world, there would be nothing wrong with the world. Who wants to die and starve? Nobody. If people weren’t driven crazy by ideas and their God, nobody would, for instance, go to war in order to starve and to die a beastly death.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If people acted purely out of selfish interest, there would be no conflict; ideas and divine concepts drive wars and suffering.
In simple terms: Selfishness alone wouldn't cause war; ideas do.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind conflict.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
human nature
conflict
ideas
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
essay
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- peace negotiations
- education reforms
- media analysis
Key Concepts
moral psychology
political theory
religion
Questions to Reflect On
- What role do altruistic ideas play?
- How can societies nurture constructive ideas?
A Different Perspective
Ideas can also inspire cooperation.