---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It would be a great misunderstanding of…"
description: "\"It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to suppose that it is one of selfish indifference about the well-being of others'.\" — John Stuart..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99b/john-stuart-mill-477_doctrine_it-would-be-a-great-misunderstanding-of_3118857.png"
---

#  It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to…

![“It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to suppose that it is one of selfish indifference about the well-being of others'.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99b/john-stuart-mill-477_doctrine_it-would-be-a-great-misunderstanding-of_3118857.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99b/john-stuart-mill-477_doctrine_it-would-be-a-great-misunderstanding-of_3118857.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99b/john-stuart-mill-477_doctrine_it-would-be-a-great-misunderstanding-of_3118857.png)

> “It would be a great misunderstanding of this doctrine to suppose that it is one of selfish indifference about the well-being of others'.”

[John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/)

## About This Quote

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

The doctrine is not about selfish indifference toward others' welfare.

**In simple terms:** Not about selfishness toward others.

Key Takeaway

Recognize true intent behind doctrines.

Themes

ethics philosophy misinterpretation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

- policy analysis
- ethical debates
- public discourse

Key Concepts

utilitarianism social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

- How does this doctrine affect social welfare?
- What examples show its true purpose?

A Different Perspective

May overlook genuine altruistic motives.

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[Doctrine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctrine/) [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [Indifference](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indifference/) [Well being](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/well-being/)

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