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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

  • policy making
  • legislation
  • reforms

Putting it to work

  • design aligned incentives
  • evaluate laws

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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