Well it's not possible to win this kind of thing. This is…
““Well it's not possible to win this kind of thing. This is a continuous striving that people have done for a long time. Of course, there is many individual battles that we win, but it is the nature of human beings that human beings lie and cheat and deceive and organized groups of people who do not lie and cheat and deceive find each other and get together... and because they have that temperament, are more efficient. Because they are not lying and cheating and deceiving each other. And that is an old, a very old struggle between opportunists and collaborators. And so I don't see that going away. I think we can make some significant advances and it is perhaps, it is the making of these advances and being involved in that struggle that is good for people. So the process is in part the end game. It's not just to get somewhere in the end, rather this process of people feeling that it is worthwhile to be involved in that sort of struggle, is in fact worthwhile for people.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human progress emerges from a perpetual tension between selfish opportunism and collective collaboration, where the struggle itself provides meaning.
In simple terms: Struggle between self‑interest and cooperation drives advancement.
Key Takeaway
The process of confronting ethical conflict is valuable.
Themes
Ethics
Human nature
Collaboration
Conflict
Progress
Motivation
Mood
Reflective
Cautious
Type
Philosophical
Political
When to use this quote
- Political reform movements
- Open‑source development
- Activist campaigns
- Corporate governance debates
- Academic research collaborations
Key Concepts
Opportunity vs. integrity
Collective action
Moral struggle
Practical Applications
- Designing incentive structures that reward honesty
- Facilitating transparent teamwork platforms
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the tension between self‑interest and collaboration shape societal outcomes?
- Can the value of struggle be measured beyond moral satisfaction?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that competition, not cooperation, is the primary engine of innovation, suggesting the struggle may hinder efficiency.