--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All for ourselves, and nothing for other…" description: "\"“All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind.”\" — Adam Smith" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/649/adam-smith-1040_age_all-for-ourselves-and-nothing-for-other_2118760.jpg" --- # All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in… ![“All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind.” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/649/adam-smith-1040_age_all-for-ourselves-and-nothing-for-other_2118760.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/649/adam-smith-1040_age_all-for-ourselves-and-nothing-for-other_2118760.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/649/adam-smith-1040_age_all-for-ourselves-and-nothing-for-other_2118760.jpg) > ““All for ourselves, and nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind.”” [Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Throughout history, those in power often prioritize self‑interest, neglecting others' welfare. **In simple terms:** Leaders tend to be selfish. Key Takeaway Beware self‑serving motives in authority. Themes politics ethics power history Mood critical reflective Type political philosophical When to use this quote - government decisions - corporate leadership - social movements - public discourse Key Concepts self‑interest moral philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What checks can limit power abuse? - How do altruistic leaders emerge? 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