Selfinterest should not outweigh common good from "summary" of Common Sense by Thomas Paine
It is a truth so fundamental, so plain and obvious, that it should need no explanation: the welfare of the whole should always take precedence over the interests of the few. When individuals allow their personal gain to overshadow the collective benefit, they sow the seeds of discord and division, weakening the very fabric of society. Self-interest, when left unchecked, can lead to corruption, inequality, and injustice. It can blind individuals to the needs and rights of others, creating a world where the powerful thrive at the expense of the weak. The common good, on the other hand, is the cornerstone of a just and harmonious society. It is the principle that guides us towards equality, fairness, and mutual respect. To prioritize self-interest over the common good is to turn our backs on our fellow human beings. It is to abandon the principles of justice and compassion that should govern our actions. It is to embrace a philosophy of greed and selfishness that can only lead to ruin. In every decision we make, we must consider not only our own desires and ambitions, but also the impact of those decisions on the wider community. We must ask ourselves: will this benefit only me, or will it benefit all? Will this harm others, or will it help to create a more just and equitable society? It is only when we put the common good above our own self-interest that we can truly build a world worth living in. It is only when we recognize that we are all interconnected, all part of the same human family, that we can begin to create a society based on solidarity and cooperation. It is only when we understand that our fates are intertwined, that we can work together to create a better future for all.
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