How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Smith argues that humans possess innate principles of sympathy that make others' happiness important to us, even without personal gain.
- In plain terms
- People naturally care about others' well-being, not just for themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Human nature includes a natural concern for others' happiness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you feel happiness in others' success?
- Is self-interest always primary?
Another view
It assumes universal sympathy which may not hold for all individuals.
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