O Melhor dos Aquêmidas: Benevolência, Interesse Próprio e a Leitura ‘Irônica’ da Ciropédia

Critics argue that although he maintains a pretence of benevolence,
in reality Cyrus is always relentlessly pursuing his own interest.
This, however, is a false dichotomy. For Xenophon, the pursuit of
self-interest does not contradict either benevolence or beneficence.
On the contrary, benevolence and beneficence contribute to
obtaining self-interested ends and therefore the pursuit of selfinterest requires them (see Memorabilia 3.1.10, Oeconomicus 12.15).
This is because the most useful possessions are friends, and these
are acquired by acts of benevolence. More difficult is the question
of conflicts between self-interest and the interests of one’s friends
and allies. But conflicts between true interests, as opposed to
wishes and desires, need not arise often, since different individuals
deserve and benefit from different things. This compatibility of
interest is illustrated especially by Cyrus’ gaining the upper hand
over his uncle Cyaxares. Rather than harming him, this
development advances both his and Cyrus’ interests
simultaneously.