Belief Quote by E. W. Howe
“I declare my belief that it is not your duty to do anything that is not to your own interest. Whenever it is unquestionably your duty to do a thing, then it will benefit you to perform that duty.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that one should only act when it aligns with personal interest, suggesting that true duty is self‑beneficial.
In simple terms: Act only when it benefits you personally.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with personal benefit.
Themes
self‑interest
duty
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- volunteer work
- financial choices
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
rational choice
egoism
Questions to Reflect On
- When does duty conflict with self‑interest?
- Can self‑benefit justify all actions?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all duties can be reduced to self‑gain, ignoring altruism.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
