Accountability Quote by Roger Scruton
““Smith emphasized that trust, responsibility and accountability exist only in a society that respects them, and only where the spontaneous fruit of human sympathy is allowed to ripen. It is where sympathy, duty and virtue achieve their proper place that self-interest leads, by an invisible hand, to a result that benefits everyone.””
About This Quote
Source Quote: Unknown source
Societal trust, responsibility, and accountability flourish where sympathy and virtue are nurtured, leading self‑interest to benefit all.
In simple terms: Virtue creates beneficial self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate sympathy and duty.
Themes
ethics
society
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- community building
Key Concepts
Social contract
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions foster sympathy?
- What role does virtue play in markets?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic; real‑world implementation is be.
