I content myself with the fact that the general system of…
““I content myself with the fact that the general system of our trade is a system of selfishness, is not dictated by the high sentiments of human nature much less by the sentiments of love and heroism but is a system of distrust not of giving, but of taking advantage.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Trade operates on self‑interest and exploitation rather than altruism, love, or heroism.
In simple terms: Business is driven by selfishness and taking advantage, not by noble motives.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and guard against exploitative practices.
Themes
economics
ethics
human nature
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
observation
analysis
When to use this quote
- corporate negotiations
- market transactions
- political lobbying
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
self‑interest
distrust
exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives could shift trade toward mutual benefit?
- How do you identify hidden selfish motives?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic motives often fail in real‑world commerce.