Jeremy Bentham, born on February 15, 1748, in London, England, was a pioneering English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer. He is best known as the founder of utilitarianism, a doctrine that judges actions by their ability to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Throughout his career, Bentham advocated for radical reforms in law, education, and governance, influencing modern democracy, human rights, and prison systems. His notable achievements include authoring influential works on ethics and legislation, such as designing the Panopticon prison model and contributing to animal rights discussions. The quotes here are sourced from his books, essays, and correspondence, as Bentham lived in the 18th-19th centuries and did not engage in interviews or social media. This list focuses on his insights about life, drawing from themes of happiness, suffering, and human nature.
15 Jeremy Bentham Quotes
1. “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation.” (Book, “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” 1789)
2. “Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.” (Book, “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” 1789)
3. “It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual.” (Book, “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” 1789)
4. “The power of the lawyer is in the uncertainty of the law.” (Book, “A Fragment on Government,” 1776)
5. “Prejudice apart, the game of push-pin is of equal value with the arts and sciences of music and poetry.” (Book, “The Rationale of Reward,” 1825)
6. “The question is not, can they reason? nor, can they talk? but, can they suffer?” (Book, “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” 1789)
7. “Publicity is the very soul of justice. It is the keenest spur to exertion and the surest of all guards against improbity.” (Book, “Essay on Political Tactics,” 1791)
8. “In the darkness of secrecy, sinister interest and evil in every shape have full swing.” (Book, “Essay on Political Tactics,” 1791)
9. “Every act of authority has its origin in the people.” (Correspondence, n.d.)
10. “The measure of what is right and wrong is the quantity of happiness or unhappiness they produce.” (Book, “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” 1789)
11. “Natural rights is simple nonsense: natural and imprescriptible rights, rhetorical nonsense.” (Book, “Anarchical Fallacies,” 1795)
12. “The obligation to obey is founded on utility.” (Book, “A Fragment on Government,” 1776)
13. “Happiness is a very pretty thing to feel, but very dry to talk about.” (Correspondence, n.d.)
14. “The art of legislation is but the art of being just.” (Book, “Principles of the Civil Code,” 1789)
15. “Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.” (Book, “The Constitutional Code,” 1830)
These quotes from Jeremy Bentham reflect his utilitarian worldview, emphasizing that life should be guided by the pursuit of happiness, the minimization of pain, and the promotion of societal good. They showcase a philosopher who viewed human existence through the lens of reason and ethics, advocating for reforms that enhance well-being. Bentham’s ideas remain relevant, reminding us of the balance between individual and collective interests. We invite you to share your reflections or favorite quotes in the comments below.