You & I, the moneyed, the privileged, the fortunate, shall…
““You & I, the moneyed, the privileged, the fortunate, shall not fare so badly in this world, provided our luck holds. What of it if our consciences itch? Why undermine the dominance of our race, our gunships, our heritage & our legacy? Why fight the “natural” (oh, weaselly word!) order of things? Why? Because of this:—one fine day, a purely predatory world shall consume itself. Yes, the Devil shall take the hindmost until the foremost is the hindmost. In an individual, selfishness uglifies the soul; for the human species, selfishness is extinction.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Selfishness harms individuals and humanity, leading to collective downfall if unchecked.
In simple terms: Selfishness destroys both self and society.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy and shared responsibility.
Themes
ethics
human nature
societal collapse
individualism
collectivism
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- business leadership
- environmental policy
- community building
- education reform
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
existential risk
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reward collective good over individual gain?
- What systems can curb personal greed?
A Different Perspective
Selfishness can be mitigated by structural incentives and cultural norms.