Causes Quote by William Hazlitt
“The slaves of power mind the cause they have to serve, because their own interest is concerned; but the friends of liberty always sacrifice their cause, which is only the cause of humanity, to their own spleen, vanity, and self-opinion.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political Writings, William Hazlitt, 1825
Power serves its own interests while liberty's advocates sacrifice the greater good for personal vanity.
In simple terms: Power is selfish; liberty can be self‑serving.
Key Takeaway
Beware self‑interest in politics.
Themes
power
liberty
self‑interest
vanity
humanity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government decisions
- activism
- public policy
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal motives affect public decisions?
- Can true liberty exist without sacrifice?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can undermine noble causes.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)