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About this quote

What does it mean?
In a natural state without rules, what benefits you is considered right.
In plain terms
Without laws, you decide what is right based on what gives you profit.
What can you take from it?
Self-interest drives moral standards when there are no laws.

Where it applies

  • lawless societies
  • negotiations
  • power dynamics

Putting it to work

  • analyzing power structures
  • ethical reasoning

Questions to consider

  • Is profit ever a good measure?
  • What makes something right?

Another view

It reduces morality to economic gain.

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