Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Principles are often ignored in favor of personal gain or interest.
In plain terms
People say they care about principles but really care about what benefits them.
What can you take from it?
Beware of those who act on self-interest not principle.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • business ethics
  • personal conflicts

Putting it to work

  • check motives
  • align actions with values

Questions to consider

  • When do you prioritize gain over right?
  • Can self-interest be good?

Another view

Sometimes interest and principle align.

More from James Russell Lowell

  1. I du believe with all my soul In the gret Press's freedom, To pint the people to the goal An' in the traces lead 'em.

    Permalink to quote #59
  2. It ain't by princerples nor men My preudunt course is steadied- I scent wich pays the best, an' then Go into it baldheaded.

    Permalink to quote #61
  3. A marciful Providunce fashioned us holler O' purpose thet we might our principles swaller.

    Permalink to quote #58

Related quotes

  1. If men will not act for themselves, what will they do when the benefit of their effort is for all?

    Elbert HubbardElbert Hubbard quote #2
  2. The world isn't fair, but as long as it's tilting in my direction I find that there's a natural cap to my righteous indignation.

    Scott AdamsScott Adams quote #4
  3. Will springs from the two elements of moral sense and self-interest.

    Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln quote #15