Skip to content

The question is not whether you have a right to render…

“The question is not whether you have a right to render people miserable, but whether it is not in your best interest to make them happy.” quote by Edmund Burke
Download Open image
“The question is not whether you have a right to render people miserable, but whether it is not in your best interest to make them happy.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Questions the moral justification of causing suffering versus happiness, suggesting self-interest may oppose altruism.

In simple terms: Is causing misery ever justified?

Key Takeaway

Consider the ethics of personal gain versus others' happiness.

Themes

ethics self-interest altruism

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • personal relationships
  • leadership

Key Concepts

moral philosophy human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does self-interest override compassion?
  • Can happiness be imposed?
A Different Perspective

May ignore systemic factors.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Edmund Burke

Explore all 595 Edmund Burke quotes

More Happiness quotes

Browse all 40,288 Happiness quotes