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The private interest of the individual would not be sufficiently provided for by reasonable and cool self-love alone; therefore the appetites and passions are placed within as a guard and further security, without which it would not be taken due care of.
Joseph Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Self-love is not enough to ensure individual well-being; passions and desires play a necessary role in personal security.

In this quote, Joseph Butler reflects on the complexities of human nature and the interplay between self-love and our inherent desires. He suggests that while individuals may have a rational love for themselves, it is not adequate on its own to safeguard their interests and well-being; rather, our appetites and passions act as essential elements that motivate and protect us, ensuring we take the necessary care of ourselves. This highlights the need for a balance between rationality and emotional drives in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Themes

Self-LovePassionsIndividual Well-BeingDesires

In practice

Example use cases

You could use this quote in a discussion about the balance between rational thinking and emotional impulses.

More from Joseph Butler

The love of liberty that is not a real principle of dutiful behavior to authority is as hypocritical as the religion that is not productive of a good life.
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Both our senses and our passions are a supply to the imperfection of our nature; thus they show that we are such sort of creatures as to stand in need of those helps which higher orders of creatures do not.
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However, without considering this connection, there is no doubt but that more good than evil, more delight than sorrow, arises from compassion itself; there being so many things which balance the sorrow of it.
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There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we are apt to take notice of.
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God Almighty is, to be sure, unmoved by passion or appetite, unchanged by affection; but then it is to be added that He neither sees nor hears nor perceives things by any senses like ours; but in a manner infinitely more perfect.
Joseph ButlerRead
That which is the foundation of all our hopes and of all our fears; all our hopes and fears which are of any consideration; I mean a Future Life.
Joseph ButlerRead

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