There is no self-interest completely unrelated to others' interests. Due to the fundamental interconnectedness which lies at the heart of reality, your interest is also my interest. From this it becomes clear that "my" interest and "your" interest are intimately connected. In a deep sense, they converge.
Dalai LamaDestructive thoughts and emotions undermine the very causes of peace and happiness. If you think clearly about it, it makes no sense to think youโre seeking happiness, if you do nothing to restrain angry, spiteful, and malicious thoughts and emotions.
Dalai LamaScientists may study mainly matter but they cannot ignore the human mind, or consciousness: spiritual practitioners may be engaging mainly in developing the mind but they cannot completely ignore their physical needs. It is for this reason that I have always stressed the importance of combining both mental and the material approach to achieving happiness for humankind.
Dalai Lama