peoples, like so many beasts, have fallen into the custom…
““peoples, like so many beasts, have fallen into the custom of each man thinking only of his own private interests and have reached the extreme of delicacy, or better of pride, in which like wild animals they bristle and lash out at the slightest displeasure. Thus no matter how great the throng and press of their bodies, they live like wild beasts in a deep solitude of spirit and will, scarcely any two being able to agree since each follows his own pleasure and caprice.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People act selfishly, likened to wild beasts, leading to social isolation despite crowded physical presence.
In simple terms: Self‑interest creates spiritual solitude.
Key Takeaway
Promote empathy over self‑interest.
Themes
society
ego
isolation
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- urban life
- political debates
- community building
Key Concepts
human nature
social contract
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster collective responsibility?
- What mechanisms reduce selfish behavior?
A Different Perspective
Not all individuals are driven solely by self‑interest.