"Disinterestedness is not the most widespread of virtues where
humans are concerned. Even when they give something away or give
generous speeches, there is nearly always a hidden motive. Of
course, no gesture, feeling or thought can truly be absolutely
disinterested. Even love of God is motivated by self-interest.
Those who love God know they will gain light, freedom and eternal
life, so their love contains an element of self-interest. But in
changing its objective, this interest has moved to another level,
for light, freedom and eternal life are divine acquisitions.
So this is the direction we must go in: we must conquer the
lower interest, which tends only to satisfy the instincts and
desires, and find a higher interest: the need to grow, to become
nobler, more godlike. But this too has an element of
self-interest – whatever we do, we act in our own interest."
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov
