1818 Nov. 4

Things as they are

Ch. 1. Psychological Cases

§.2.I. Self-regarding interest

1

§.2 I. Of self-regarding interest and affection.

Now as /at the time/ the term self-regarding was it was found indispensably necessary to employ it; to employ this, or if not this some other term no less new.

In the language were indeed found already the terms selfishness and self-interest. But to each /both/ of these is become attached a conception by /in the use of/ which /in /by/ the use of/ if not separated from it, the thickest confusion, and most extensively pernicious errors would be involved /introduced/. In the use of both there is involved a sentiment of disapprobation /a judgment of condemnation/. Which such are the instruments of discourse employed, it is impossible to speak of this species of interest of interest in this shape, without passing condemnation on whatsoever regard a /every/ man has for himself: in a word for that affection on which the life of /the existence and operation of/ every individual, and thence the existence of the whole species depends. So much for the word selfishness: and in a case not very determinably different is the word self-interest: if there be any difference, in the case where self-interest is employed the disapprobation the condemnation is not quite so strong. Still however an expression of disapprobation and condemnation more or less intense, accompanies the use of it: and /though/ as to the degree of the difference it is perpetually varying and indeterminable.