---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But to say self-interest is all that…"
description: "\"“But to say self-interest is all that exists, or that it should be given free rein! My Lord. Believe that and nothing matters but money.”\" — Kim Stanle..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3d/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_identity_but-to-say-self-interest-is-all-that-exi_3156578.png"
---

#  But to say self-interest is all that exists, or that it…

![“But to say self-interest is all that exists, or that it should be given free rein! My Lord. Believe that and nothing matters but money.” quote by Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3d/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_identity_but-to-say-self-interest-is-all-that-exi_3156578.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3d/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_identity_but-to-say-self-interest-is-all-that-exi_3156578.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d3d/kim-stanley-robinson-2148_identity_but-to-say-self-interest-is-all-that-exi_3156578.png)

> ““But to say self-interest is all that exists, or that it should be given free rein! My Lord. Believe that and nothing matters but money.””

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-stanley-robinson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Self‑interest cannot be the sole driver; moral values must guide actions beyond profit.

**In simple terms:** Money isn’t everything.

Key Takeaway

Balance self‑interest with ethical responsibility.

Themes

ethics economics humanity

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- business decisions
- public policy
- environmental stewardship
- personal finance

Key Concepts

moral philosophy social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

- What values should temper profit motives?
- How do we measure success beyond money?

A Different Perspective

Pure self‑interest can ignore long‑term societal costs.

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