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One may follow one’s interest(s) or be guided by principles, even at the same time, yet they are different kinds of things, for interests are individual, but principles are collective.  Interests are arbitrary; principles are shaped by various ethical beliefs. Interests can be roused by anything; principles are shaped by historic cultural practices. Interests serve the self; principles serve others. Interests are declarative; principles are imperative. The two can never be confused, for going against our own interests is one thing. Going against our own principles is quite another. 

How, then, can they, as Bierce claims, be confused? How can we look in one direction but see in the opposite? It happens. Self-interest is very powerful, and too often we can easily think we are boldly marching on the high road of some principle when we are in fact sneaking our selfish way along a devious path of self-interest. 

Bierce points to politics as a place where interests and principles might get tangled up. I do not think he is far off the mark. The present political scene may or may not be particularly egregious in this respect, but it does showcase the issue. Interests do have a way of shouldering aside principles. Think candidate endorsements.