 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
We should not say that a man is acting from self-interest if, from an impulse of benevolence, he gives his money to charity, but he may still, if he has a generous disposition, derive more satisfaction from this act than from a miserly clinging to his possessions. The term “satisfaction” is wide enough to embrace everything that comes to a man through the realization of his desires, and these desires do not necessarily have any connection with self, except that oneself feels them.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, (1954), chapter 13：Ethical Sanctions, n.1
More info.: https://russell-j.com/cool/47T-1301.htm
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In everyday life, few obstacles arise as long as the content, intent and the feelings implied in each other's statements are generally understood. However, in logical discussions, if you do not have a clear understanding of the terminology used, it is easy to misunderstand or pervert what the other person is saying, rather than understand it well.
Russell's words and actions are often clear, but if not read carefully, many people can be quick to misunderstand rather than understand. Here, the terms 'interest' and 'satisfaction' need to be clearly distinguished and understood.
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