If men will not act for themselves, what will they do when the benefit of their effort is for all?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If individuals do not take initiative for their own gain, they are unlikely to act when the reward is shared by everyone.
- In plain terms
- People rarely work hard if there is no personal benefit.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal stake drives action more than collective good.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What motivates you to act when there is no reward?
- How do you encourage others to act for the group?
Another view
Some people act out of duty or morality without personal gain.
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