Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can command. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous to the society. Read the quotation by Adam Smith.

According to this quote, what motivates most individuals?

desire for power
concern for others
competition for jobs
sense of self-interest

sense of self-interest.

Explanation:

The given quote is taken from the book titled 'The Wealth of Nation' written by Adam Smith. The book is about the free-market economics and it's pros and cons to the economy.

In the given quote, Adam Smith is talking about that it is sense of self-interest that motivates people to seek high-paying jobs rather than the desire of interest of society. He asserts that people are exerting themselves to seek high-paying jobs for his own advantage than advantage to the society.

Therefore, option D is correct.