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It is the ignorant person who seeks his or her own ends at…

“It is the ignorant person who seeks his or her own ends at the expense of the greater whole. It is the ignorant person, therefore, who is the selfish person. The truly wise person is never selfish.” quote by Ralph Waldo Trine
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“It is the ignorant person who seeks his or her own ends at the expense of the greater whole. It is the ignorant person, therefore, who is the selfish person. The truly wise person is never selfish.”

Ralph Waldo Trine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ignorance leads to selfishness; true wisdom is selfless.

In simple terms: Ignorant people act selfishly; wise people are selfless.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate wisdom and selflessness.

Themes

selfishness wisdom ignorance

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • community service
  • leadership decisions personal growth

Key Concepts

ethics philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice selflessness safely?
  • What distinguishes wisdom from mere knowledge?
A Different Perspective

Selflessness can be exploited by others.

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