Selfishness is one of the principal fruits of the…
“Selfishness is one of the principal fruits of the corruption of human nature; and it is obvious that selfishness disposes us to over-rate our good qualities, and to overlook or extenuate our defects.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Selfishness distorts self‑assessment, inflating virtues and minimizing flaws, reflecting moral decay.
In simple terms: Selfishness skews self‑view.
Key Takeaway
Selfishness blinds honest self‑evaluation.
Themes
Moral corruption
Self‑deception
Virtue signaling
Cognitive bias
Ethics
Mood
Reflective
Critical
Sober
Type
Philosophical
Moral
When to use this quote
- Leadership evaluation
- Personal growth
- Team dynamics
- Ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Self‑interest
Self‑awareness
Moral psychology
Practical Applications
- Coaching feedback
- Organizational culture audits
Questions to Reflect On
- How does selfishness affect personal accountability?
- What practices can counteract self‑deception?