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I actually think that self-interest is overrated as an all-purpose guide to political motive. It leaves out something at least as powerful and immovable - individual psychology.

Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender.

I think most people act in their self-interest.

Interest does not tie nations together; it sometimes separates them. But sympathy and understanding does unite them.

People acting in their own self-interest is the fuel for all the discovery, innovation, and prosperity that powers the world.

Is self-interest a bad thing? We want our leaders to be pure and good, but at the same time we want them to be effective, and to be effective you often have to be ruthless and not bound by ideology or the same morals that we pretend to hold ourselves to.

Diplomacy, n. is the art of letting somebody else have your way.

Self-interest is the enemy of all true affection.

If I, taking care of everyone's interests, also take care of my own, you can't talk about a conflict of interest.

The beginning of self-knowledge: recognizing that your motives are the same as other people's.