Dying Quote by Samuel Butler
““Can anyone do much for anyone else unless by making a will in his favour and dying then and there? Should not each look after his own happiness, and will not the world be best carried on if everyone minds his own business and leaves other people to mind theirs?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Erewhon", 1872
Self‑interest drives people to prioritize personal happiness, questioning collective responsibility.
In simple terms: People focus on themselves, not others.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal goals with community care.
Themes
self‑interest
ethics
society
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community projects
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
philosophy
social contract
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- Should personal happiness be pursued at society’s expense?
- Can collective well‑being be achieved without self‑sacrifice?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on self can erode social cohesion.
