As far as the stars are from the earth, and as different…
“As far as the stars are from the earth, and as different as fire is from water, so much do self-interest and integrity differ.”
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 and integrity are fundamentally opposed, like fire and water.
In simple terms: Self‑interest clashes with integrity.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with integrity over personal gain.
Themes
ethics
integrity
self‑interest
Mood
serious
contemplative
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political leadership
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
moral conflict
principle vs desire
Questions to Reflect On
- What compromises have you made between self‑interest and integrity?
- When is self‑interest justified?
A Different Perspective
Integrity can be costly in competitive environments.