Self-interest, fear of physical pain, drove him to that grotesque act of self-abasement. Its insincerity was clearly to be seen. He ceases to be a wrongdoer. He ceases also to be a creature capable of moral choice.

Anthony Burgess
About This Quote

The power of self-interest is the driving force behind all things. It is never far from our thoughts. Our actions are driven by this idea that we are better off if only we can accomplish what we want. This motivates us to act against our own best interests.

There are many places where self-interest leads us astray, but it also inspires us to be better people. Take the example of the slave who was beaten for being late for work. This man was able to rise above his self-interest and do what was right, which was to protect the other slaves who were working even if it meant putting his own life at risk.

Source: A Clockwork Orange

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