Character Quote by John Stuart Mill
““It results from the preceding considerations, that there is in reality nothing desired except happiness. Whatever is desired otherwise than as a means to some end beyond itself, and ultimately to happiness, is desired as itself a part of happiness, and is not desired for itself until it has become so. Those who desire virtue for its own sake, desire it either because the consciousness of it is a pleasure, or because the consciousness of being without it is a pain, or for both reasons united; as in truth the pleasure and pain seldom exist separately, but almost always together, the same person feeling pleasure in the degree of virtue attained, and pain in not having attained more. If one of these gave him no pleasure, and the other no pain, he would not love or desire virtue, or would desire it only for the other benefits which it might produce to himself or to persons whom he cared for.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Utilitarianism, 1863
Happiness is the ultimate goal; virtue is desired only as a means to happiness.
In simple terms: Virtue is valued for the happiness it brings.
Key Takeaway
Seek happiness, view virtue as a path.
Themes
ethics
happiness
virtue
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- moral education
- personal development
- policy making
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
psychology
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can happiness be measured objectively?
- What role does pain play in moral choices?
A Different Perspective
Virtue may be pursued for external rewards, not pure intent.
![“Whose judgment dissociated from desire follows both virtue and gain only, Who ignores pleasure, chooses ends serviceable in both worlds - wise be. [23] - 33 Mahatma Vidur” quote by Munindra Misra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cf5/munindra-misra-8882_chants_whose-judgment-dissociated-from-desire-f_412112.jpg)
![“[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)
