LEV584 He used to say: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when? Pirkei Avot, Perek I, mishnah 14. … Hillel may be speaking of the need to correct oneself and be self-critical. There are some things that even your best friend will not tell you. In fact, because he is a friend he may not correct you for fear of losing your friendship. Hence, "If I am not for myself, if I do not take my self in hand and improve my ways, who will be for me?" On the other hand, "if I am only for myself," if I too fall prey to the conspiracy of silence and do not correct others, then I am not fulfilling my obligation. Our Torah tells us, "You shall surely rebuke your fellow" [this verse]. If he is truly a friend, he will appreciate it as something intended to benefit him.