Accounts Quote by Allan Bloom
“The utilitarian behaves sensibly in all that is required for preservation but never takes account of the fact that he must die...His whole life is absorbed in avoiding death, which is inevitable, and therefore he might be thought to be the most irrational of men, if rationality has anything to do with understanding ends or comprehending the human situation as such. He gives way without reserve to his most powerful passion and the wishes it engenders.”
About This Quote
A utilitarian focus on survival neglects the inevitability of death, making such a life irrational when true rationality includes understanding human ends.
In simple terms: Living only to avoid death ignores deeper human purpose.
Key Takeaway
Rationality must consider ultimate human ends.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
ethics
mortality
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
philosophical observation
When to use this quote
- career planning
- risk management
- health decisions
Key Concepts
irrationality of avoidance
human condition
Practical Applications
- balance long‑term goals with present meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to live a rational life?
- How can we integrate mortality into daily decisions?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that focusing on preservation is a pragmatic necessity, not irrational.
