The Duchess in Lewis Carroll's book quotes a saying that love is the driving force behind everything in the world, emphasizing its importance with the line, "Oh, 'tis love, 'tis love, that makes the world go round!" She presents this as a moral. Alice then comments privately that some believe the world functions simply because everyone focuses on their own affairs, suggesting a different perspective on how things operate.
The Duchess acknowledges Alice's idea, implying that focusing on individual matters might be similar in effect to love in maintaining order. The dialogue highlights contrasting views on what motivates and sustains the world—either love or individual self-interest—reflecting the whimsical and philosophical tone characteristic of the story. Both opinions explore different explanations for the workings of society and human nature.