Decided Quote by John Stuart Mill
“Of two pleasures, if there be one which all or almost all who have experience of both give a decided preference, irrespective of any feeling of moral obligation to prefer it, that is the more desirable pleasure.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill, 1863
The pleasure most widely preferred, regardless of moral duty, is the more desirable.
In simple terms: Most people favor the pleasure they enjoy most, ignoring moral pressure.
Key Takeaway
Choose the pleasure that truly satisfies you.
Themes
ethics
pleasure
preference
morality
utilitarianism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- consumer choices
- policy design
- marketing strategies
Key Concepts
Hedonism
subjective value
collective preference
Questions to Reflect On
- What pleasure do you prioritize and why?
- How does moral duty influence your preferences?
A Different Perspective
May overlook long‑term consequences or societal impacts.
![“[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)
