self-interest

is behind the great achievements of civilization.

The world runs on individuals pursuing their self interests. The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus. Einstein didn't construct his theory under order from a bureaucrat. Henry Ford didn't revolutionize the automobile industry that way. Milton Friedman

is an ethical issue. The evil of a robber does not lie in the fact that he pursues his own interests, but in what he regards as to his own interest.

There is a fundamental moral difference between a man who sees his self-interest in production and a man who sees it in robbery. The evil of a robber does not lie in the fact that he pursues his own interests, but in what he regards as to his own interest... not in the fact that he pursues his values, but in what he chose to value... not in the fact that he wants to live, but in the fact that he wants to live on a subhuman level (see 'The Objectivist Ethics').

is grounded in the idea that man is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others.

Man every man is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others.

is not myopic selfishness. It is whatever it is that interests the participants, whatever they value, whatever goals they pursue.

Self-interest is not myopic selfishness. It is whatever it is that interests the participants, whatever they value, whatever goals they pursue. The scientist seeking to advance the frontiers of his discipline, the missionary seeking to convert infidels to the true faith, the philanthropist seeking to bring comfort to the needy all are pursuing their interests, as they see them, as they judge them by their own values. Milton Friedman

, when exercised, frequently promotes the interest of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.

By pursuing his own interest (the individual) frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good. Adam Smith

 makes some people blind, and others sharp-sighted.

Self-interest makes some people blind, and others sharp-sighted. Francois de La Rochefoucauld

1s 2ursuit is the highest purpose in one's life.

The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life.

is admirable. Man must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself.

He must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself.

self interest, n.All

self interest