Better place Quote by Bertrand Russell
““The less rational a man is, the oftener he will fail to perceive how what injures others also injures him, because hatred or envy will blind him. Therefore, although I do not pretend that enlightened self-interest is the highest morality, I do maintain that, if it became common, it would make the world an immeasurably better place than it is.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Happiness, Bertrand Russell, 1930
People who act irrationally often fail to see that harming others harms themselves; selfishness blinds moral insight.
In simple terms: Irrational selfishness hurts both sides.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy and rational self‑interest.
Themes
ethics
self‑interest
empathy
rationality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- business decisions
- public policy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your behavior affect others and yourself?
- Can rational self‑interest align with collective good?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can be short‑sighted and ignore systemic harm.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
