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About this quote

What does it mean?
People who love themselves too much will destroy everything around them just to satisfy a small need.
In plain terms
Extreme self-lovers burn down houses just to cook an egg.
What can you take from it?
Selfishness can cause disproportionate harm to others.

Where it applies

  • workplace decisions
  • family conflicts
  • leadership choices

Putting it to work

  • watch for disproportionate costs
  • consider collateral damage

Questions to consider

  • Are you causing big harm for small gain?
  • Who pays the price for your convenience?

Another view

Sometimes small sacrifices are necessary for larger goals.

More from Francis Bacon

  1. Be true to thyself, as thou be not false to others.

    Permalink to quote #103
  2. As the births of living creatures at first are ill-shapen, so are all Innovations, which are the births of time.

    Permalink to quote #105
  3. Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.

    Permalink to quote #102

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