As to the permanent interest of individuals in the…
“As to the permanent interest of individuals in the aggregated interests of the community, and in the proverbial maxim, that honesty is the best policy, present temptation is often found to be an overmatch for those considerations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Balancing personal self with community good is hard; honesty helps, but temptation often wins short‑term.
In simple terms: Personal vs community interests conflict; honesty is ideal but temptation can dominate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize temptation and reinforce honesty in decisions.
Themes
ethics
community
self‑interest
honesty
temptation
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal decision making
- leadership challenges
Key Concepts
social contract
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize community welfare over personal gain?
- What safeguards can reduce temptation?
A Different Perspective
Temptation can outweigh ethical choices without strong accountability.