Full Idea
No one will give up his right to all things, and absolutely no one will keep his promises, except from fear of a greater ill or hope of a greater good.
Gist of Idea
People only give up their rights, and keep promises, if they hope for some greater good
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 16.06)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.198
A Reaction
I think Locke and Rousseau would agree with this. It is hard to imagine doing anything other than in hope of a greater good. But what to do when your hopes are disappointed?