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Egoism Quote by Edward St. Aubyn

“If you were madly in love, you’d want me to win,’ said Katherine. “‘I’m not sure that’s true,’ said Sam. ‘I think love is about equality: both of us equally happy with either result. One-sided self-sacrifice is only enabling someone else’s egoism. Altruists always end up riddled with resentment…” quote by Edward St. Aubyn
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““If you were madly in love, you’d want me to win,’ said Katherine. “‘I’m not sure that’s true,’ said Sam. ‘I think love is about equality: both of us equally happy with either result. One-sided self-sacrifice is only enabling someone else’s egoism. Altruists always end up riddled with resentment, or if they make that last superhuman effort, with spiritual pride.’ “‘Oh,’ said Katherine, ‘you mean you’re not going to enable my egoism.’ “‘Okay, okay,’ said Sam ‘you’re right – love is doing everything you want all the time.””

Edward St. Aubyn

About This Quote

Love should be based on mutual happiness and equality; self‑sacrifice that fuels egoism breeds resentment or spiritual pride.

In simple terms: Love needs equality, not self‑sacrifice.

Key Takeaway

Balanced reciprocity sustains healthy relationships.

Themes

love equality relationships psychology

Mood

reflective candid

Type

relationship psychological

When to use this quote

  • couples therapy
  • friendship dynamics
  • family negotiations

Key Concepts

mutual respect boundary setting

Practical Applications

  • practice open communication of needs
  • establish shared decision‑making

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does self‑sacrifice become unhealthy?
  • How to negotiate equality without losing intimacy?
A Different Perspective

Some traditions value self‑sacrifice as love’s expression, complicating a universal claim.

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