--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: By pursuing his own interest (the…" description: "\"By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I hav..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/79f/adam-smith-1040_affected_by-pursuing-his-own-interest-the-individ_3156488.jpg" --- # By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently… ![“By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.” quote by Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/79f/adam-smith-1040_affected_by-pursuing-his-own-interest-the-individ_3156488.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/79f/adam-smith-1040_affected_by-pursuing-his-own-interest-the-individ_3156488.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/79f/adam-smith-1040_affected_by-pursuing-his-own-interest-the-individ_3156488.jpg) > “By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.” [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. Individual self-interest often unintentionally benefits society more effectively than deliberate altruism. **In simple terms:** Self-interest can aid society. Key Takeaway Pursue personal goals to help others. Themes economics human nature altruism Mood analytical thoughtful Type philosophical economic When to use this quote - business decisions - policy making - community projects - ethical entrepreneurship Key Concepts invisible hand public good unintended consequences Questions to Reflect On - How can personal ambition align with public welfare? - When does self-interest harm society? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on self-interest may neglect genuine social responsibility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interest/) [Invisible hand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invisible-hand/) [Public good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-good/) [Public interest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-interest/) [Trade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade/) [Wealth of nations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth-of-nations/) ## Related quotes > [Every individual necessarily labors to render the annual revenue of society as great as he can. 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My answer: I am the sum total of everything that went before me, of all I have been seen done,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salman-rushdie/who-what-am-i-my-answer-i-am-the-sum-total-of-everything-that-went/) [Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salman-rushdie/) > [I have wondered why is it that some people are less affected and torn by the verities of life and death that others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/i-have-wondered-why-is-it-that-some-people-are-less-affected-and-torn/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [Then, the other thing that affected my interest in choices growing up was the fact that I was going blind and that meant that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheena-iyengar/then-the-other-thing-that-affected-my-interest-in-choices-growing-up/) [Sheena Iyengar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheena-iyengar/) > [I don't think Wayne Rooney would be affected if you booed him, that's just how he is, but others go under. 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