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, 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.””
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.
Balanced reciprocity sustains healthy relationships.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- couples therapy
- friendship dynamics
- family negotiations
Key Concepts
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?
Some traditions value self‑sacrifice as love’s expression, complicating a universal claim.