Quote by Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nation

In civilized society man stands at all times in need of the cooperation and assistance of great multitudes, while his whole life is scarce sufficient to gain the friendship of a few persons. . . . Man has almost constant occasion for the help of his brethren, and it is in vain for him to expect it from their benevolence only. He will be more likely to prevail if he can interest their self-love in his favour, and show them that it is for their own advantage to do for him what he requires of them. Whoever offers to another a bargain of any kind, proposes to do this. Give me that which I want, and you shall have this which you want, is the meaning of every such offer; and it is in this manner that we obtain from one another the far greater part of those good offices which we stand in need of. It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. . . . Nobody but a beggar chuses to depend chiefly upon the benevolence of his fellow citizens.

Summary

This quote by economist Adam Smith emphasizes the inherent need for cooperation and assistance in a civilized society. Smith suggests that while individuals may desire the friendship of a few people, their daily lives require the help of a large number of people. Furthermore, he argues that one should not rely solely on the benevolence of others, but rather appeal to their self-interest. He illustrates this through the example of a bargain, where one party offers something desired in exchange for something they want. Smith ultimately asserts that relying on the self-interest of others is more reliable than depending solely on their benevolence.