Single Idea 2886

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

There are neither egoistic nor unegoistic actions: both concepts are psychologically nonsense.

Gist of Idea

The distinction between egoistic and non-egoistic acts is absurd

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Ecce Homo [1889], 4.5)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Ecce Homo', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1992], p.45


A Reaction

Not quite true, but I like this observation. The idea that you could divide everyone's actions into these two groups is certainly nonsense. But some people are more altruistic than others!