A man, if he be active and energetic, can hardly fail…
“A man, if he be active and energetic, can hardly fail also, be he never so selfish, of benefiting the general public interest.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Active, energetic individuals can contribute to the public good even if they are selfish.
In simple terms: Selfishness doesn’t stop useful contributions.
Key Takeaway
Channel energy toward societal benefit.
Themes
civic duty
self-interest
public good
energy
Mood
determined
optimistic
Type
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- community projects
- volunteer work
- entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
Utilitarianism
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can personal ambition align with community needs?
- When does self‑interest become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Selfish motives may limit collaboration and trust.