---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The trouble with selfish motives is that…"
description: "\"The trouble with selfish motives is that they harden into principles, and you end up sending your kids to war for them.\" — Robert Breault"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aca/robert-breault-304_child_the-trouble-with-selfish-motives-is-that_2787208.png"
---

#  The trouble with selfish motives is that they harden into…

![“The trouble with selfish motives is that they harden into principles, and you end up sending your kids to war for them.” quote by Robert Breault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aca/robert-breault-304_child_the-trouble-with-selfish-motives-is-that_2787208.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aca/robert-breault-304_child_the-trouble-with-selfish-motives-is-that_2787208.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aca/robert-breault-304_child_the-trouble-with-selfish-motives-is-that_2787208.png)

> “The trouble with selfish motives is that they harden into principles, and you end up sending your kids to war for them.”

[Robert Breault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-breault/)

## About This Quote

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

Selfish motives become rigid principles, leading to sending children to war, highlighting moral corruption of personal agendas.

**In simple terms:** Selfishness can become harmful principles.

Key Takeaway

Question personal motives.

Themes

ethics war parenting

Mood

critical serious

Type

analytical ethical

When to use this quote

- policy making
- family discussions
- activism

Key Concepts

political philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- What personal motives drive your actions?
- How can societies prevent selfish principles from harming others?

A Different Perspective

Complex geopolitical factors also influence war decisions.

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[Child](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child/) [Kids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kids/) [Motive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motive/) [Motives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motives/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Selfish motives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfish-motives/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/)

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