It is commonly observed that there is a disposition in men to
complain of the viciousness and corruption of the age in which they
live as greater than that of former ones; which is usually followed
with this further observation, that mankind has been in that respect
much the same in all times. Now, not to determine whether this last
be not contradicted by the accounts of history; thus much can scarce
be doubted, that vice and folly takes different turns, and some
particular kinds of it are more open and avowed in some ages than in
others; and, I suppose, it may be spoken of as very much the
distinction of the present to profess a contracted spirit, and
greater regards to self-interest, than appears to have been done
formerly. Upon this account it seems worth while to inquire whether
private interest is likely to be promoted in proportion to the
degree in which self-love engrosses us, and prevails over all other
principles; or whether the contracted affection may not possibly be
so prevalent as to disappoint itself, and even contradict its own
and private good.

And since, further, there is generally thought to be some peculiar
kind of contrariety between self-love and the love of our neighbour,
between the pursuit of public and of private good; insomuch that
when you are recommending one of these, you are supposed to be
speaking against the other; and from hence arises a secret prejudice
against, and frequently open scorn of, all talk of public spirit and
real good-will to our fellow-creatures; it will be necessary to
inquire what respect benevolence hath to self-love, and the pursuit
of private interest to the pursuit of public: or whether there be
anything of that peculiar inconsistence and contrariety between them
over and above what there is between self-love and other passions