---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Not even the apparently enlightened…"
description: "\"Not even the apparently enlightened principle of the 'greatest good for the greatest number' can excuse indifference to individual suffering. There is ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c76/aneurin-bevan-11144_enlightened_not-even-the-apparently-enlightened-prin_1519257.jpg"
---

#  Not even the apparently enlightened principle of the…

![“Not even the apparently enlightened principle of the 'greatest good for the greatest number' can excuse indifference to individual suffering. There is no test for progress other than its impact on the individual.” quote by Aneurin Bevan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c76/aneurin-bevan-11144_enlightened_not-even-the-apparently-enlightened-prin_1519257.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c76/aneurin-bevan-11144_enlightened_not-even-the-apparently-enlightened-prin_1519257.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c76/aneurin-bevan-11144_enlightened_not-even-the-apparently-enlightened-prin_1519257.jpg)

> “Not even the apparently enlightened principle of the 'greatest good for the greatest number' can excuse indifference to individual suffering. There is no test for progress other than its impact on the individual.”

[Aneurin Bevan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aneurin-bevan/)

## About This Quote

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

Collective utilitarian ideals cannot justify ignoring personal pain; true progress is measured by its effect on each person.

**In simple terms:** The greatest good must not overlook individual suffering.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize individual wellbeing in policy.

Themes

ethics politics healthcare individual rights

Mood

reflective serious thoughtful

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

- healthcare reform
- social policy
- humanitarian aid
- community support

Key Concepts

utilitarianism human dignity social justice

Questions to Reflect On

- How can policies protect individuals while serving the majority?
- What metrics assess impact on personal suffering?

A Different Perspective

Balancing majority benefit with minority rights is complex.

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[Enlightened](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightened/) [Impact](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impact/) [Indifference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indifference/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Tests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tests/)

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## More by Aneurin Bevan

> [Stand not too near the rich man lest he destroy thee - and not too far away lest he forget thee.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aneurin-bevan/stand-not-too-near-the-rich-man-lest-he-destroy-thee-and-not-too-far/)

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