Allowance Quote by John Stuart Mill
“Few human creatures would consent to be changed into any of the lower animals for a promise of the fullest allowance of a beast's pleasures; no intelligent human being would consent to be a fool, no instructed person would be an ignoramus, no person of feeling and conscience would be selfish and base, even though they should be persuaded that the fool, the dunce, or the rascal is better satisfied with his lot than they are with theirs.”
About This Quote
He argues that rational beings would not willingly become lower animals or fools, even if promised pleasure, because they value intellect and conscience.
In simple terms: Rational people reject becoming less intelligent for pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Value intellect over base pleasures.
Themes
ethics
human nature
intellect
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- personal development
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for pleasure?
- Is intellect more valuable than happiness?
A Different Perspective
Pleasure may not outweigh loss of self.
![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
