Remember that the best and greatest among mankind are…
“Remember that the best and greatest among mankind are those who do themselves no worldly good. Every successful man is more or less a selfish man. The devoted fail...”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote suggests that true greatness lies in self-interest, and that altruism often leads to failure.
In simple terms: Greatness comes from self‑interest; altruism can be a weakness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize self‑interest as a driver of success.
Themes
self‑interest
greatness
altruism
failure
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- business leadership
- personal development
- political strategy
- charitable work
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is selfishness always necessary for success?
- How can we balance self‑interest with genuine help to others?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest may harm relationships and societal cohesion.