“Altruism is masked self-interest. Aggressive self-interest is a masked urge to self-destruction.”
Greg Bear book The Forge of God
Source: The Forge of God (1987), Chapter 52 (p. 352)
“Charity is really self-interest masquerading under the form of altruism.”
"The masquerade of charity," p. 19
Awareness (1992)
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Anthony de Mello135
Indian writer 1931–1987Related quotes
Peter Singer book The Most Good You Can Do
Source: The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically (2015), Chapter 9: Altruism and Happiness (p. 103)
“Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
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.”
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) Indian nationalist, freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi, guru and poet
Thoughts and Aphorisms (1913), Karma
“Charity should be self-sustainable.”
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (1956) spiritual leader
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.
“Alas! for the rarity
Of Christian charity
Under the sun!”
Thomas Hood The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (1844), st. 9.
1840s
Gore Vidal (1925–2012) American writer
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.
