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Politically, economically and philosophically the motive of…

Quote byF. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead · 1872–1930

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "Idealism in International Politics", Rectoral Address at Glasgow University (7 November 1923)..

English (original)

Politically, economically and philosophically the motive of self-interest not only is but must...and ought to be the mainspring of human conduct...For as long a time as the records of history have been preserved human societies passed through a ceaseless process of evolution and adjustment.

— F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead

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