--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We can pursue our true wants, Mill…" description: "\"“We can pursue our true wants, Mill writes, only when doing so harms no one to whom we are obliged.”\" — Janet Benton" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/janet-benton-42353_quote_we-can-pursue-our-true-wants-mill-writes_2008253.jpg" --- # We can pursue our true wants, Mill writes, only when doing… ![“We can pursue our true wants, Mill writes, only when doing so harms no one to whom we are obliged.” quote by Janet Benton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/janet-benton-42353_quote_we-can-pursue-our-true-wants-mill-writes_2008253.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/janet-benton-42353_quote_we-can-pursue-our-true-wants-mill-writes_2008253.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/990/janet-benton-42353_quote_we-can-pursue-our-true-wants-mill-writes_2008253.jpg) > ““We can pursue our true wants, Mill writes, only when doing so harms no one to whom we are obliged.”” [Janet Benton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janet-benton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True desires are permissible only when they do no harm to those we owe responsibilities to **In simple terms:** Desires must not hurt those we owe Key Takeaway Consider obligations before pursuing wants Themes ethics responsibility desire Mood thoughtful serious Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - personal decision making - professional conduct - family obligations Key Concepts moral philosophy social duty Questions to Reflect On - What obligations limit your desires? - How to balance personal fulfillment with duty? 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