My benefit is your benefit!

[henry_flower]

"The judgement of a whole people, especially of a free people, is looked upon to be infallible. And this is universally true, while they remain in their proper sphere, unbiased by faction, undeluded by the tricks of designing men.

A body of people thus circumstanced cannot be supposed to judge amiss on any essential points; for if they decide in favour of themselves, which is extremely natural, their decision is just, inasmuch as whatever contributes to their benefit is a general benefit, and advances the real public good."

-- On Government (From the Pennsylvania Gazette, Apr 1, 1736) by Ben Franklin.