Quote by Edmund Waller
The fear of hell, or aiming to be blest, savors too much of private interest.
Summary
This quote suggests that when individuals are driven by a fear of punishment in hell or seek blessings, their motivations are driven by personal gain rather than genuine goodness. It implies that true altruism and virtuous actions should not be solely based on self-interest, but on a genuine desire to do what is right without expectation of reward or avoidance of punishment. The quote reminds us to evaluate our intentions and seek a higher moral compass that transcends personal gain.