--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have never known much good done by…" description: "\"I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.\" — Adam Smith" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2be/adam-smith-1040_affected_i-have-never-known-much-good-done-by-tho_3170565.jpg" --- # I have never known much good done by those who affected to… ![“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/2be/adam-smith-1040_affected_i-have-never-known-much-good-done-by-tho_3170565.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2be/adam-smith-1040_affected_i-have-never-known-much-good-done-by-tho_3170565.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2be/adam-smith-1040_affected_i-have-never-known-much-good-done-by-tho_3170565.jpg) > “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. Public service often attracts those motivated by personal gain rather than genuine altruism. **In simple terms:** Public good attracts self‑interested people. Key Takeaway Beware of hidden motives. Themes ethics public service motivation Mood skeptical critical Type cautionary analytical When to use this quote - government jobs - charity work - volunteerism - political office Key Concepts economics human nature Questions to Reflect On - How do you assess true altruism? - What safeguards can reduce self‑interest? A Different Perspective Idealism may clash with personal ambition. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Public good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-good/) [Trade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade/) ## Related quotes > [By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. 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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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