--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The less rational a man is, the oftener…" description: "\"“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. Ther..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/bertrand-russell-69_better-place_the-less-rational-a-man-is-the-oftener-h_1178851.jpg" --- # The less rational a man is, the oftener he will fail to… ![“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…” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/bertrand-russell-69_better-place_the-less-rational-a-man-is-the-oftener-h_1178851.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/bertrand-russell-69_better-place_the-less-rational-a-man-is-the-oftener-h_1178851.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dc0/bertrand-russell-69_better-place_the-less-rational-a-man-is-the-oftener-h_1178851.jpg) > ““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.”” [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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