Single Idea 3770

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 3. Motivation for Altruism]

Full Idea

No reason can be given why the general happiness is desirable, except that each person, so far as he believes it to be attainable, desires his own happiness.

Gist of Idea

General happiness is only desirable because individuals desire their own happiness

Source

John Stuart Mill (Utilitarianism [1861], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.288