Beware of altruism. It is based on self-deception, the root of all evil.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Altruism is criticized as being rooted in self-deception, which the author views as the source of evil.
- In plain terms
- Doing good for others is actually based on lying to yourself, which leads to evil.
- What can you take from it?
- Be skeptical of selfless altruism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we help others?
- Is self-interest necessary?
Another view
Altruism can still have positive outcomes despite self-deception.
More from Robert A. Heinlein
Being intelligent is not a felony. But most societies evaluate it as at least a misdemeanor.
Permalink to quote #65 By the data to date, there is only one animal in the Galaxy dangerous to man - man himself. So he must supply his own indispensable competition. He has no enem…
Permalink to quote #67 Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors - and miss.
Permalink to quote #64
Related quotes
The highest morality may prove also to be the highest wisdom when the half-told story comes to be finished.
Arthur Conan DoyleArthur Conan Doyle quote #1 [An attorney] can find it consistent with his dignity to turn wrong into right, and right into wrong, to abet a lie, nay to create, disseminate, and with all t…
Anthony TrollopeAnthony Trollope quote #1 Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie.
Mae WestMae West quote #1