--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sordid selfishness doth contract and…" description: "\"Sordid selfishness doth contract and narrow our benevolence, and cause us, like serpents, to infold ourselves within ourselves, and to turn out our sti..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/walter-scott-775_benevolence_sordid-selfishness-doth-contract-and-nar_546528.png" --- # Sordid selfishness doth contract and narrow our… ![“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.” quote by Walter Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/walter-scott-775_benevolence_sordid-selfishness-doth-contract-and-nar_546528.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/walter-scott-775_benevolence_sordid-selfishness-doth-contract-and-nar_546528.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/735/walter-scott-775_benevolence_sordid-selfishness-doth-contract-and-nar_546528.png) > “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.” [Walter Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-scott/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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? 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