
“Altruism is masked self-interest. Aggressive self-interest is a masked urge to self-destruction.”
Source: The Forge of God (1987), Chapter 52 (p. 352)
"The masquerade of charity," p. 19
Awareness (1992)
“Altruism is masked self-interest. Aggressive self-interest is a masked urge to self-destruction.”
Source: The Forge of God (1987), Chapter 52 (p. 352)
“Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.”
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Context: Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
“Very usually, altruism is only the sublimest form of selfishness.”
Thoughts and Aphorisms (1913), Karma
“Charity should be self-sustainable.”
Interview with Forbes Magazine (2009)
Context: Charity should be self-sustainable. That is, it should create more wealth rather than perpetuating the cycle of poverty and dependence. In this sense, the best form of charity would be providing quality education for children and more importantly, building a good character in them.
Source: 1990s, Screening History (1992), Ch. 1: The Prince and the Pauper, p. 24
Context: Apparently, a concern for others is self-love at its least attractive, while greed is now a sign of the higher altruism. But then to reverse, periodically, the meanings of words is a very small price to pay for the freedom not only to conform but to consume.