The great problem of legislation is, so to organize the civil government of a community...that in the operation of human institutions upon social action, self-love and social may be made the same.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good laws align personal self-interest with the collective good of society.
- In plain terms
- Organize government so that what is good for you is also good for society.
- What can you take from it?
- Structure systems so individual and social interests align.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can laws align interests?
- Does self-interest help society?
Another view
Self-interest often conflicts with social good in practice.
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