To seek pleasure, to avoid pain, is the general line of…
““To seek pleasure, to avoid pain, is the general line of action (some would say law) of the organic world. Without this quest of the agreeable, life itself would be impossible. Organisms would disintegrate, life cease. Thus whatever a man's actions and line of conduct may be, he does what he does in obedience to a craving of his nature. The most repulsive actions, no less than actions which are indifferent or most attractive, are all equally dictated by a need of the individual who performs them. Let him act as he may, the individual acts as he does because he finds a pleasure in it, or avoids, or thinks he avoids, a pain. Here we have a well-established fact. Here we have the essence of what has been called the egoistic theory.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human behavior is driven by the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain, shaping all actions as egoistic responses to innate cravings.
In simple terms: People act to seek pleasure or avoid pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize underlying motivations.
Themes
psychology
philosophy
human nature
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- marketing strategies
- conflict resolution
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
egoism
pleasure principle
pain avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden cravings drive your choices?
- Can altruism coexist with egoism?
A Different Perspective
Not all actions are purely rational; cultural and altruistic influences can modify egoistic drives.