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The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
John Kenneth Galbraith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote critiques modern conservatives for justifying self-interested actions under the guise of moral reasoning.

John Kenneth Galbraith suggests that modern conservatives are participating in a traditional philosophical endeavor: seeking a moral rationale that makes self-serving behavior appear morally acceptable. This reflects a broader critique of how individuals and ideologies often cloak selfish motives in ethical language, challenging the integrity of moral philosophy itself.

Themes

Moral PhilosophySelfishnessConservatismJustificationEthics

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about economic policies, one might use this quote to illustrate how ideological beliefs can mask self-interest.

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