Self-interest is not myopic selfishness. It is whatever it…
“Self-interest is not myopic selfishness. It is whatever it is that interests the participants, whatever they value, whatever goals they pursue. The scientist seeking to advance the frontiers of his discipline, the missionary seeking to convert infidels to the true faith, the philanthropist seeking to bring comfort to the needy - all are pursuing their interests, as they see them, as they judge them by their own values.”
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 is broad, encompassing any goal a person values, not just short‑sighted selfishness; it drives diverse pursuits aligned with personal values.
In simple terms: Self‑interest means pursuing what you value, not just selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with genuine values.
Themes
economics
motivation
values
human behavior
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- business strategy
- public policy
- personal development
Key Concepts
self‑interest
goal setting
value theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What values truly drive your decisions?
- How do you balance personal goals with societal impact?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can ignore collective welfare.