--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: unselfish thought; not a word. Tom, Tom!…" description: "\"“unselfish thought; not a word. Tom, Tom! The man in all this world most confident in his sagacity and shrewdness; the man in all this world most proud..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bcd/charles-dickens-34_every-man_unselfish-thought-not-a-word-tom-tom-the_2018882.jpg" --- # unselfish thought; not a word. Tom, Tom! The man in all… ![“unselfish thought; not a word. Tom, Tom! The man in all this world most confident in his sagacity and shrewdness; the man in all this world most proud of his distrust of other men, and having most to show in gold and silver as the gains belonging to his creed; the meekest favourer of that wise…” quote by Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bcd/charles-dickens-34_every-man_unselfish-thought-not-a-word-tom-tom-the_2018882.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bcd/charles-dickens-34_every-man_unselfish-thought-not-a-word-tom-tom-the_2018882.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bcd/charles-dickens-34_every-man_unselfish-thought-not-a-word-tom-tom-the_2018882.jpg) > ““unselfish thought; not a word. Tom, Tom! The man in all this world most confident in his sagacity and shrewdness; the man in all this world most proud of his distrust of other men, and having most to show in gold and silver as the gains belonging to his creed; the meekest favourer of that wise doctrine, Every man for himself, and God for us all (there being high wisdom in the thought that the Eternal Majesty of Heaven ever was, or can be, on the side of selfish lust and love!); shall never find, oh, never find, be sure of that, the time come home to him, when all his wisdom is an”” [Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-dickens/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A critique of selfishness and self‑interest, suggesting that true wisdom lies beyond personal gain and distrust. **In simple terms:** Selfishness blinds true wisdom. Key Takeaway Seek humility and collective good. Themes selfishness wisdom trust humility Mood critical thought‑provoking Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - leadership - community building - ethical decision making - personal growth Key Concepts philosophy ethics human nature Questions to Reflect On - How does selfishness affect your relationships? - What can you do to foster trust in others? A Different Perspective Self‑interest can dominate despite moral arguments. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Every man for himself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-man-for-himself/) [Gold and silver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gold-and-silver/) [Lust And Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lust-and-love/) [Thought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thought/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [When we cling to thoughts and memories, we are clinging to what cannot be grasped. 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