Disinterestedness

"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