The active, insatiate principle of self-love can alone…
“The active, insatiate principle of self-love can alone supply the arts of life and the wages of industry; and as soon as civil government and exclusive property have been introduced, they become necessary to the existence of the human race.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Self‑interest drives creativity and productivity, but once societies impose government and private property, these drives become essential for human survival.
In simple terms: Self‑love fuels art and work, yet civil structures make it necessary for humanity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how personal drive interacts with societal rules.
Themes
humanism
economics
politics
motivation
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
sociopolitical
When to use this quote
- entrepreneurship
- artistic creation
- policy making
- community building
Key Concepts
Egoism
social contract
civilization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal ambitions change under new social institutions?
- What balances individual drive with collective need?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can be constrained by external systems.