self interest leads to activity

|| योग: कर्मसु कौशलम् ||

Mananeeya Eknathji stresses and tells us that man is the slave of the desire. With Samskrit Subhashitas he further explains :

Ashanam Manushyanam Kashchidashcharya Shrinkhala
Yaya Badhdha Pradhavanti Muktah Tishthanti panguvat

This desire or gain may be in coin or in kind; it may be for fame and name; it may be applause and publicity. It can be a position or a status in the public. The gain can be big or small or it can be concrete or abstract, but it is a return which is the urge behind the action. One does not undertake to work without any purpose.

Prayojanamanuddishya na mandopi pravartate

This purpose may be noble or ignoble. A servant in our office may work for pecuniary gain. A public servant may work for power, fame or wealth and such other benefits. The benefits desired differ from man to man, but that man is a slave of such benefits, is a fact. The self-interest is the first urge in the activity of any type.