A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s.

The aphorism draws a sharp line between self-care and selfishness. Whately suggests that seeking one’s own good is not inherently immoral; it becomes “selfish” only when it crowds out obligations to others—especially the nearby, concrete claims of a “neighbor.” The point reframes moral evaluation from motives of self-benefit to the presence or absence of regard for others’ welfare. It also implies a social ethic: a healthy moral life can include ambition and prudence, but it must be balanced by attention, fairness, and active concern for those affected by one’s choices.