Benevolence Quote by Walter Scott
“Sordid selfishness doth contract and narrow our benevolence, and cause us, like serpents, to infold ourselves within ourselves, and to turn out our stings to the entire world besides.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Lay of the Last Minstrel, 1805
Selfishness narrows compassion, turning people inward and causing them to harm others.
In simple terms: Selfishness limits empathy and leads to harmful behavior.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate generosity to broaden compassion.
Themes
selfishness
empathy
human nature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives selfish behavior in groups?
- How can we encourage collective empathy?
A Different Perspective
Even with good intentions, selfish motives can dominate actions.
![“They [spies] cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.” quote by Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13c/sun-tzu-283_art_they-spies-cannot-be-properly-managed-wi_77546.jpg)
