That which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it. Every one thinks chiefly of his own, hardly at all of the common interest; and only when he is himself concerned as an individual. For besides other considerations, everybody is more inclined to neglect the duty which he expects another to fulfill.

Summary

This quote by Greek philosopher Aristotle suggests that people generally tend to prioritize their personal interests over the common good. When something is shared among a large number of individuals, there is a tendency for less attention and care to be given to it. This is because people are more focused on their own well-being and often neglect their responsibilities towards the collective. Aristotle argues that this is further exacerbated by the belief that someone else will take care of the shared responsibility, leading to a neglect of duty and a lack of collective engagement.

Topics