--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How much that the world calls selfishness…" description: "\"How much that the world calls selfishness is only generosity with narrow walls,--a too exclusive solicitude to maintain a wife in luxury, or make one's..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/thomas-wentworth-higginson-177_children_how-much-that-the-world-calls-selfishnes_1501567.jpg" --- # How much that the world calls selfishness is only… ![“How much that the world calls selfishness is only generosity with narrow walls,--a too exclusive solicitude to maintain a wife in luxury, or make one's children rich.” quote by Thomas Wentworth Higginson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/thomas-wentworth-higginson-177_children_how-much-that-the-world-calls-selfishnes_1501567.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/thomas-wentworth-higginson-177_children_how-much-that-the-world-calls-selfishnes_1501567.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0da/thomas-wentworth-higginson-177_children_how-much-that-the-world-calls-selfishnes_1501567.jpg) > “How much that the world calls selfishness is only generosity with narrow walls,--a too exclusive solicitude to maintain a wife in luxury, or make one's children rich.” [Thomas Wentworth Higginson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-wentworth-higginson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Selfishness can be a disguised form of generosity limited by personal desire for comfort and wealth. **In simple terms:** Selfishness may hide as limited generosity. Key Takeaway Recognize hidden motives in giving. Themes selfishness generosity motivation wealth Mood reflective critical Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - family budgeting - philanthropy - personal relationships - wealth management Key Concepts Ethics psychology social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - What does generosity mean to you beyond personal gain? - How can you expand your “walls” of giving? A Different Perspective Narrow self‑interest can undermine true altruism. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Generosity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generosity/) [Luxury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/luxury/) [Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage/) [Selfishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/selfishness/) [Solicitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/solicitude/) [Wall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wall/) [Wife](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wife/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“It is surprising how little narrow walls and a low ceiling matter, when the roof of the soul has suddenly been raised.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/it-is-surprising-how-little-narrow-walls-and-a-low-ceiling-matter/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [I'm really interested in the difference between selfishness and generosity. 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