---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No sort of activity is likely to be…"
description: "\"“No sort of activity is likely to be lasting if it is not founded on self-interest, that's a universal principle, a philosophical principle”\" — Leo Tol..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c12/leo-tolstoy-55_philosophical_no-sort-of-activity-is-likely-to-be-last_1785220.png"
---

#  No sort of activity is likely to be lasting if it is not…

![“No sort of activity is likely to be lasting if it is not founded on self-interest, that's a universal principle, a philosophical principle” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c12/leo-tolstoy-55_philosophical_no-sort-of-activity-is-likely-to-be-last_1785220.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c12/leo-tolstoy-55_philosophical_no-sort-of-activity-is-likely-to-be-last_1785220.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c12/leo-tolstoy-55_philosophical_no-sort-of-activity-is-likely-to-be-last_1785220.png)

> ““No sort of activity is likely to be lasting if it is not founded on self-interest, that's a universal principle, a philosophical principle””

[Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/)

## 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 is the foundation of any lasting activity; without it, endeavors falter.

**In simple terms:** Self‑interest drives lasting actions.

Key Takeaway

Align goals with personal benefit.

Themes

philosophy human nature motivation

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- career planning
- entrepreneurship
- personal projects
- relationships

Key Concepts

self‑interest principle sustainability

Questions to Reflect On

- Are your actions truly self‑motivated?
- When does self‑interest become harmful?

A Different Perspective

Pure self‑interest may ignore ethical considerations.

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