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The selfish spirit of commerce knows no country, and feels…

“The selfish spirit of commerce knows no country, and feels no passion of principle but that of gain” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“The selfish spirit of commerce knows no country, and feels no passion of principle but that of gain”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

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

Commerce driven solely by self‑interest ignores moral principles, reducing ethics to profit.

In simple terms: Profit‑first commerce lacks ethics.

Key Takeaway

Balance profit with ethical values.

Themes

ethics commerce principles

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • policy making
  • corporate governance

Key Concepts

moral philosophy economic theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can businesses stay ethical while profitable?
  • What principles guide your commercial decisions?
A Different Perspective

Profit motives can still align with ethics.

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