Single Idea 23865

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / A. Egoism / 1. Ethical Egoism]

Full Idea

The common run of moralists complain that man is moved by his private interest: would to heaven it were so!

Gist of Idea

Morality would improve if people could pursue private interests

Source

Simone Weil (Reflections on Liberty and Social Oppression [1934], p.65)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Oppression and Liberty' [Routledge 1955], p.64


A Reaction

Her point is that currently people have to sacrifice their own interests to communal activities which offer dubious benefits.