"But the egoist has no ideals, for the knowledge that his ideals are only his ideals, frees him from their domination. He acts for his own interest, not for the interest of ideals"
- John Buchanan Robinson
About this Quote
This quote by John Buchanan Robinson speaks to the suggestion of egoism, which is the belief that must act in their very own self-interest. Robinson suggests that the egoist has no ideals, as they understand that their perfects are just their own as well as therefore do not have any kind of power over them. This means that the egoist does not substitute the purpose of perfects, however instead for their own benefit. This is in comparison to those who substitute the benefit of suitables, as they are motivated by something beyond themselves. Robinson's quote suggests that the egoist is not bound by any kind of outside pressures, and also is rather complimentary to act in their own self-involvement. This can be viewed as a type of freedom, as the egoist is not bound by any exterior pressures as well as is instead free to pursue their own passions.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"