This quote, “I am easy-going right up to the borders of my self-interest,” essentially means that a person can be relaxed, flexible, and accommodating until their personal interests, needs, or values are threatened or compromised. It highlights the human tendency to protect one’s own interests, sometimes even at the expense of being agreeable or easy-going.

Delving deeper, it also points to the idea of boundaries and the importance of recognizing and respecting them. It suggests that while it’s good to be adaptable and cooperative, it’s equally important to know where to draw the line to ensure one’s own needs and values aren’t being overlooked or violated.

In today’s world, this concept is particularly relevant. In an era where people are often encouraged to be agreeable and accommodating in order to foster harmony, it’s crucial to remember that it’s okay to assert oneself when personal interests are at stake. This could apply in various contexts, such as in the workplace, where one might need to stand up for their ideas or rights, or in relationships, where one might need to assert their needs or boundaries.

From a personal development perspective, this quote could serve as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and self-respect. It suggests that personal growth involves not just learning to get along with others, but also understanding and asserting one’s own needs and values. It encourages individuals to strike a balance between being easy-going and protecting their self-interests. This could involve learning to say no, standing up for oneself, or making decisions based on one’s own needs and values rather than just going along with what others want or expect.