nment。
Here a mistake must be avoided。 We intend blame； and justly impute it as a fault； when we say of
an individual； that he is “interested” （in taking part in such or such transactions） that is； seeks
only his private advantage。 In reprehending this we find fault with him for furthering his personal
aims without any regard to a more prehensive design； of which he takes advantage to promote
his own interest； or which he even sacrifices with this view。 But he who is active in promoting an
object； is not simply “interested；” but interested in that object itself。 Language faithfully
expresses this distinction。 — Nothing therefore happens； nothing is acplished； unless the
individuals concerned； seek their own satisfaction in the issue。 They are particular units of society；
i。e。 they have special needs； instincts； and interests generally； peculiar to themselves。 Among these
needs are not only such as we usually call necessities — the stimuli of individual desire and volition
— but also those connected with individual views and convictions； or — to use a term expressing
less decision — leanings of opinion； supposing the impulses of reflection； understanding； and
reason； to have been awakened。 In these cases people demand； if they are to exert themselves in
any direction； that the object should mend itself to them； that in point of opinion； — whether as
to its goodness； justice； advantage； profit； — they should be able to “enter into it” （dabei seyn）。
This is a consideration of especial importance in our age； when people are less than formerly
influenced by reliance on others； and by authority； when； on the contrary； they devote their
activities to a