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[26]
And since things which are akin and like are
always pleasant to one another, and every man in the highest degree feels this
in regard to himself, it must needs be
that all men are more or less selfish; for it is in himself above all that such conditions1 are to be found. Since, then, all men are selfish, it follows that all find pleasure in what is their own, such as their works and words. That is why men as a rule are fond of those who flatter and love them, of honor, and of children; for the last are their own work. It is also pleasant to supply what is wanting,2
that all men are more or less selfish; for it is in himself above all that such conditions1 are to be found. Since, then, all men are selfish, it follows that all find pleasure in what is their own, such as their works and words. That is why men as a rule are fond of those who flatter and love them, of honor, and of children; for the last are their own work. It is also pleasant to supply what is wanting,2
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