Before Quote by Mary Astell
“Upon the principles of reason, the good of many is preferable to the good of a few or of one; a lasting good is to be preferred before a temporary, the public before the private.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: A Serious Proposal to the Ladies, 1694
Prioritizing the collective good over individual or minority interests leads to lasting societal benefit.
In simple terms: Common good beats personal gain.
Key Takeaway
Seek policies that benefit many.
Themes
ethics
politics
social welfare
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislation
- community planning
- public health initiatives
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
public good
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we protect minorities while promoting the common good?
- When should individual rights yield to collective needs?
A Different Perspective
Balancing minority rights with majority benefit can be complex.
