He who thinks and thinks for himself, will always have a claim to thanks; it is no matter whether it be right or wrong, so as it be explicit. If it is right, it will serve as a guide to direct; if wrong, as a beacon to warn.
Jeremy BenthamRead
It is the greatest good to the greatest number of people which is the measure of right and wrong.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The moral worth of an action is determined by its contribution to the overall happiness of the majority.
This quote by Jeremy Bentham highlights the principle of utilitarianism, where the ethical value of an action is judged based on the extent to which it benefits the greatest number of people. Bentham argues that morality should be assessed by the outcome of actions and their ability to produce happiness or reduce suffering for the majority, advocating for a social framework that prioritizes collective well-being over individual interests.
Themes
UtilitarianismHappinessMoralityEthicsSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on healthcare policy, one might reference this quote to argue for maximizing benefits for the largest number of patients.
More from Jeremy Bentham
All quotes βCreate all the happiness you are able to create; remove all the misery you are able to remove. Every day will allow you, --will invite you to add something to the pleasure of others, --or to diminish something of their pains.
Jeremy BenthamRead
Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure... they govern us in all we do, in all we say, in all we think: every effort we can make to throw off our subjection, will serve but to demonstrate and confirm it.
Jeremy BenthamRead
Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do.
Jeremy BenthamRead
Tyranny and anarchy are never far apart.
Jeremy BenthamRead
Without publicity, no good is permanent; under the auspices of publicity, no evil can continue.
Jeremy BenthamRead
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