Self Interest and the Social Order

Self-Interest is mentioned in unison by both Adam Smith and Alexis De Tocquevile. Whilst they both mention the phrase verbatim, its meaning portrays a much different connotation. Smith assertion's of self-interest is coupled with rationality and competition, one could say it is much more initially egoist than Tocquevile. His, on the other hand views the ignorant majority as the major actor who eventually increases the self interest of all individuals belonging to the state.

Smith views humans in whole as developed and not troglodytic beings. We do not act like animals who take as they please. In lieu of lawless nature, we form contracts in which both parties receive something of value. Only in times of turmoil will man turn to his animalistic state...but normal society acts as it “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”1 We gain self interest via means of treaty, barter, and purchase (I.e a division of labor).

On a grandiose scale, Smith views one's loyalty as an inherent trait (larger “self-interest”): “We do not love our country merely as a part of the great society of mankind: we love it for its own sake, and independently of any such consideration.”2 It is further divulged into two parts, a respect for it's constitution, and secondly the belief that other citizens should be well treated. He mentions the establishment of government as an entertaining play of producing a chessboard with each piece having their own responsibilities. Smith views each piece as unchangeable: “every single piece has a principle of motion of its own, altogether different from that which the legislator might choose to impress upon it.”3 One...

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...ed being. Man is capable of living life on their own, and is advanced with the ability to life in a world with no regulation. Self interest in regards to his premise is split into two: the first being for the country, and the second being for the multitude (other than themselves). On the other spectrum Tocqueville labels American's as truly ill-advised individuals. They are using “self interest” in the wrong manner...only through education can they see the correct way and establish a sound system (with greater social mobility, more regard for others, et cetera).

Works Cited

Smith, Adam, and Robert L. Heilbroner. "Wealth of Nations: Chapter II." The essential Adam Smith. New York: W.W. Norton, 1987. 169. Print.

Tocqueville, Alexis de, and Gerald E. Bevan. "Chapter 8." Democracy in America and two essays on America. London, England: Penguin Books, 2003. 609. Print.