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Economics Quote by Adam M. Grant

“The intelligent altruists, though less altruistic than the unintelligent altruists, will be fitter than both unintelligent altruists and selfish individuals. —Herbert Simon, Nobel Prize winner in economics” quote by Adam M. Grant
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““The intelligent altruists, though less altruistic than the unintelligent altruists, will be fitter than both unintelligent altruists and selfish individuals. —Herbert Simon, Nobel Prize winner in economics””

Adam M. Grant

About This Quote

Source Speech: Nobel Prize Lecture, 1978

Intelligent altruists, though less selfless than naive altruists, are more evolutionarily fit than both selfish people and unintelligent altruists.

In simple terms: Smart helpers are more successful than pure selfishness or naive kindness.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate informed, strategic helping.

Themes

cooperation evolution ethics intelligence

Mood

analytical thought‑provoking

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business leadership
  • public policy
  • community organizing
  • education programs

Key Concepts

game theory social dynamics evolutionary biology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “intelligent altruism” mean to you?
  • Can strategic helping be truly selfless?
A Different Perspective

Strategic altruism may overlook genuine compassion; measuring “intelligence” is complex.

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