--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Self-love is no part of morality. Indeed…" description: "\"“Self-love is no part of morality. Indeed it is exactly its counterpart. It is the sole antagonist of virtue leading us constantly by our propensities ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a24/thomas-jefferson-43_quote_self-love-is-no-part-of-morality-indeed_997443.jpg" --- # Self-love is no part of morality. Indeed it is exactly its… ![“Self-love is no part of morality. Indeed it is exactly its counterpart. It is the sole antagonist of virtue leading us constantly by our propensities to self-gratification in violation of our moral duties to others.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a24/thomas-jefferson-43_quote_self-love-is-no-part-of-morality-indeed_997443.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a24/thomas-jefferson-43_quote_self-love-is-no-part-of-morality-indeed_997443.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a24/thomas-jefferson-43_quote_self-love-is-no-part-of-morality-indeed_997443.jpg) > ““Self-love is no part of morality. Indeed it is exactly its counterpart. It is the sole antagonist of virtue leading us constantly by our propensities to self-gratification in violation of our moral duties to others.”” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## 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 opposes virtue; true morality requires putting others before personal gratification. **In simple terms:** Self‑love conflicts with moral duty. Key Takeaway Prioritize others over selfish desires. Themes morality virtue self‑interest Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - community service - leadership - family life - business ethics Key Concepts ethics philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can healthy self‑respect coexist with moral obligations? - When does self‑care become selfish? A Different Perspective Self‑interest can also motivate positive contributions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Morality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morality/) [Self gratification](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-gratification/) [Self love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-love/) ## Related quotes > [Americans love a morality tale, especially one that's been taken from real life. 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Campbell: Violates it…Insofar as love expresses itself, it is not expressing itself in terms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-campbell/moyers-then-what-does-love-have-to-do-with-morality-campbell-violates/) [Joseph Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-campbell/) > [“They live with the belief that anything is acceptable if you can get away with it, that self-gratification is the most important aspect of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-a-salvatore/they-live-with-the-belief-that-anything-is-acceptable-if-you-can-get/) [R.A. Salvatore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-a-salvatore/) > [Love is a many-sided sacrifice; it means thoughtfulness for others; it means putting their good before self-gratification. 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