Skip to content

No, sir! If, for example, in earlier times it was said to…

“No, sir! If, for example, in earlier times it was said to me: “Love your neighbour” and I acted on it, what was the result?’ continued Peter Petrovich, with perhaps excessive haste. ‘The result was that I divided my cloak with my neighbour and we were both left half-naked, for according to the…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Download Open image
““No, sir! If, for example, in earlier times it was said to me: “Love your neighbour” and I acted on it, what was the result?’ continued Peter Petrovich, with perhaps excessive haste. ‘The result was that I divided my cloak with my neighbour and we were both left half-naked, for according to the Russian proverb: “If you run after two hares, you will catch neither.” Science, however, says: love yourself first of all, for everything in the world is based on personal interest. If you love yourself alone, you will conduct your affairs properly, and your cloak will remain whole. Economic truth adds that the more private enterprises are established and the more, so to say, whole cloaks there are in a society, the firmer will be its foundations and the more will be undertaken for the common good. That is to say, that by the very act of devoting my gains solely and exclusively to myself, I am at the same time benefiting the whole community, and ensuring that my neighbour receives something better than half a torn cloak, and that not by private, isolated bounty, but as a consequence of the general economic advancement. The idea is simple, but, unfortunately, has been too long in finding acceptance, obscured as it is by vaporous ideals and misguided enthusiasms; a certain keenness of intellect, it would seem, is necessary to realize …””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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 is presented as the rational basis for personal and societal prosperity, contrasting altruistic myths.

In simple terms: Love yourself first to benefit all.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize personal well‑being for collective good.

Themes

ethics economics individualism altruism philosophy

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

ethical economic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • personal finance
  • community building

Key Concepts

self‑interest economic liberalism personal responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What balance between self‑care and caring for others?
  • Is personal gain always beneficial to society?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting empathy can erode social bonds.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Explore all 1,078 Fyodor Dostoyevsky quotes

More Common good quotes

Browse all 375 Common good quotes