Meaning: This quote by Joseph Butler, a prominent 18th-century clergyman and philosopher, delves into the concept of self-love and its relationship to our pursuit of our own interests and well-being. Butler's perspective on self-love offers valuable insights into human behavior and the motivations underlying our actions.

At the heart of this quote is the distinction between self-love and the determination of what truly constitutes our interest or good. Butler suggests that self-love does not define what is in our best interest or what is good for us; rather, our interest and good are already determined by nature. Self-love, in this view, is not about creating or defining our interests, but rather about driving us to pursue and secure what is already deemed to be in our best interest by nature.

In essence, Butler is pointing out that self-love is not a determining factor in shaping our fundamental interests or what is ultimately good for us. Instead, it serves as a motivating force that compels us to seek and safeguard that which is already established as our interest and good by nature. This perspective challenges the notion that self-love is the primary driver behind our pursuit of personal fulfillment and well-being.

Butler's insight into self-love aligns with his broader philosophical and moral framework, which emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature and the inherent principles that guide our actions. He believed that human beings are naturally inclined towards certain virtues and moral principles, and that self-love, when properly understood and channeled, can align with these inherent principles to motivate us towards virtuous and morally upright behavior.

In the context of this quote, Butler's perspective on self-love invites us to consider the complex interplay between our innate drives for self-preservation and well-being, and the larger framework of natural and moral principles that shape our understanding of what truly constitutes our interest and good. By emphasizing the role of nature in determining our fundamental interests and good, Butler challenges us to look beyond the narrow scope of self-love as the sole arbiter of our desires and motivations.

Furthermore, Butler's perspective on self-love has implications for ethical and moral considerations. By acknowledging that our interests and good are established by nature and not by self-love, Butler encourages us to consider the broader implications of our actions on the natural order and the well-being of others. This challenges the egoistic view of self-love that prioritizes individual desires and interests without regard for the larger ethical framework that governs human behavior.

In conclusion, Joseph Butler's quote on self-love offers a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between self-love, our fundamental interests, and the guiding influence of nature. His insights prompt us to reconsider the role of self-love in shaping our motivations and actions, and to recognize the broader context of natural and moral principles that inform our pursuit of personal well-being and fulfillment. This quote serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on human nature, ethics, and the complexities of self-love.