Buddhism Quote by Rutger Bregman
“During the Enlightenment, there were brilliant thinkers who realized that, if you assume most people are naturally selfish and you construct the market around that, sometimes it can actually work for the common good. I just think that in many cases, it went too far.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Humankind: A Hopeful History, 2020
Assuming selfishness as a market basis can yield benefits, but over‑reliance on that view can produce harmful excesses.
In simple terms: Markets work on selfish motives but can overreach.
Key Takeaway
Balance self‑interest with safeguards.
Themes
economics
ethics
human nature
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- corporate governance
- public welfare
Key Concepts
self‑interest
common good
Questions to Reflect On
- When does self‑interest harm the collective?
- What safeguards are needed?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest alone cannot ensure fairness.
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