Full Idea
It is not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger.
Gist of Idea
Total selfishness is not irrational
Source
David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], II.III.ii)
Book Reference
Cottingham,John: 'Rationalism' [Paladin 1984], p.130
A Reaction
A famous idea, and the embodiment of moral nihilism. I say nothing could ever refute someone who held such a view. No moral theory can force someone to care, if they just don't.