This quote suggests that a person’s curiosity and engagement with the world around them is directly linked to their self-interest. It implies that we are naturally inclined to be interested in things that reflect or impact us personally. We are motivated by our own desires, needs, and concerns. The more interested we become in ourselves – our growth, development, well-being – the more this interest spills over into the wider world.
In essence, Shaw is highlighting a fundamental aspect of human nature: self-interest. This isn’t necessarily negative or selfish; it’s simply a recognition of how personal motivations drive our engagement with everything around us.
Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development can open up several perspectives. For instance, consider social media: people often follow accounts or topics they relate to or benefit from personally – fitness tips for health-conscious individuals, cooking recipes for food lovers etc. Our feeds reflect our interests which are fundamentally linked to who we are and what matters to us.
In terms of personal development, understanding this concept can help one leverage their self-interest towards growth and learning. For example, if you’re trying hard but struggling to learn a new language because you “should”, linking it back to your personal interests could make all the difference – perhaps learning because it will allow you better opportunities for travel (if travel excites you), career advancement (if ambition drives you), or meeting new people (if social connections motivate you).
Moreover, realizing that your interest in external affairs stems from your inner self can lead towards introspection about what truly matters to you as an individual – leading not only towards greater understanding of oneself but also fostering empathy and understanding for others since everyone else’s actions too spring from their own internal motivations.
So while Shaw’s quote may seem cynical at first glance – suggesting everything boils down to self-interest – at its core it’s an observation about human motivation which when understood correctly can be harnessed effectively both for personal growth and fostering better relationships with the world at large.
