Aim Quote by Thomas Merton
“In the natural order no matter what ideals may be theoretically possible, most people more or less live for themselves and for their own interests and pleasures or for those of their own family or group, and therefore they are constantly interfering with one another's aims, and hurting one another and injuring one another, whether they mean it or not.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
People prioritize personal and familial interests, causing inevitable conflicts and unintentional harm.
In simple terms: Self‑interest leads to clashes and accidental hurt.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate personal bias.
Themes
self‑interest
conflict
community
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- family decisions
- workplace negotiations
- public policy
- neighbor disputes
Key Concepts
human nature
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance personal goals with collective well‑being?
- What structures reduce accidental harm?
A Different Perspective
Idealism may overlook practical constraints.
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