Or if the hypothesis were offered us of a world in which…
“Or if the hypothesis were offered us of a world in which Messrs. Fourier's and Bellamy's and Morris's Utopias should all be outdone, and millions kept permanently happy on the one simple condition that a certain lost soul on the far-off edge of things should lead a life of lonely torment, what except a specifical and independent sort of emotion can it be which would make us immediately feel, even though an impulse arose within us to clutch at the happiness so offered, how hideous a thing would be its enjoyment when deliberately accepted as the fruit of such a bargain?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote questions the moral cost of happiness built on another's suffering, suggesting that such joy is inherently repulsive despite its appeal.
In simple terms: Happiness built on suffering feels wrong.
Key Takeaway
Avoid joy that harms others.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
human nature
utilitarianism
psychology
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political theory
- personal decision making
- social activism
Key Concepts
moral psychology
consequentialism
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we ever truly enjoy benefits derived from another's pain?
- What moral frameworks help us reject such bargains?
A Different Perspective
The appeal of such happiness may be strong, but it conflicts with deep moral intuition.