Friday, February 7, 1997

Self interest

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher,
the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner,
but from their regard to their own interest.
                     -- Adam Smith

Take care of yourself first. No matter how much you may want to give to others, if you don’t have anything yourself, then you have nothing to give.

Self interest is not selfish. It is highly responsible. Taking care of yourself means being responsible for yourself, and there is nothing selfish about that.

Self interest is a powerful creative force. Because she knows she will be rewarded, the scientist works diligently to develop a new medicine. Because he knows he will be rewarded, the investor finances a new venture.

The more you take care of your self, of your own needs and desires, the more you have to contribute to life. And the more you have to contribute, the more you become. It is an upward spiral that begins when you take responsibility for your own life, and begin to look out for your own interest. Everyone benefits when you take care of yourself.

— Ralph Marston

Control yourself       You can do it

Copyright ©1997 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.