Accounts Quote by George Washington
“A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle... Few men are capable of making a continual sacrifice of all views of private interest, or advantage, to the common good. It is vain to exclaim against the depravity of human nature on this account; the fact is so, the experience of every age and nation has proved it and we must in a great measure, change the constitution of man, before we can make it otherwise. No institution, not built on the presumptive truth of these maxims can succeed.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to the Continental Congress, 1787
Human nature tends toward self‑interest; true progress requires institutions that align personal gain with the common good.
In simple terms: Self‑interest dominates, but can be redirected.
Key Takeaway
Design systems that reward collective benefit.
Themes
human nature
self‑interest
governance
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- organizational design
- public service
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions better align personal and public interests?
- What incentives effectively promote altruism?
A Different Perspective
Changing human nature is unrealistic; focus on structural incentives.
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