Selfishness is the root of great evil.
“Selfishness is the root of great evil.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker asserts that selfish motives are the fundamental cause of severe wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Selfishness breeds great evil.
Key Takeaway
Altruism counters major harm.
Themes
ethics
human nature
moral philosophy
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
moral aphorism
When to use this quote
- corporate scandals
- environmental neglect
- political corruption
Key Concepts
self‑interest vs. collective good
Practical Applications
- Promote collaborative decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- What examples show selfishness leading to harm?
- Can self‑interest ever be positive?
A Different Perspective
Not all evil stems solely from selfishness; systemic factors also play a role.