No, it is not a commonplace, sir! If up to now, for…
““No, it is not a commonplace, sir! If up to now, for example, I have been told to 'love my neighbor,' and I did love him, what came of it?. . . What came of it was that I tore my caftan in two, shared it with my neighbor, and we were both left half naked, in accordance with the Russian proverb which says: If you chase several hares at once, you won't overtake any one of them. But science says: Love yourself before all, because everything in the world is based on self-interest. If you love only yourself, you will set your affairs up properly, and your caftan will also remain in one piece. And economic truth adds that the more properly arranged personal affairs and, so to speak, whole caftans there are in society, the firmer its foundations are and the better arranged its common cause. It follows that by acquiring for everyone, as it were, and working so that my neighbor will have something more than a torn caftan, not from private, isolated generosities now, but as a result of universal prosperity.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that self‑interest and personal responsibility create a stable society, whereas altruistic charity without self‑care leads to personal loss and societal weakness.
In simple terms: Take care of yourself first, then help others.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize self‑interest to build a stronger community.
Themes
self‑interest
responsibility
society
charity
economics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- community building
- policy making
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
individualism
collectivism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can self‑care be balanced with genuine compassion?
- What policies encourage both personal responsibility and communal welfare?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting genuine empathy can erode social bonds.