"Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure and the absence of pain"
- John Stuart Mill
About this Quote
John Stuart Mill's quote recommends that our actions ought to be evaluated based on their ability to produce happiness. Happiness is defined as satisfaction and the lack of pain. For that reason, if an action produces satisfaction and decreases discomfort, it is thought about to be right. On the other hand, if an action produces discomfort and lowers satisfaction, it is thought about to be wrong. This quote encourages us to think about the repercussions of our actions and to consider how they will affect the joy of ourselves and others. It is a reminder that our actions should be guided by the principle of promoting happiness and avoiding discomfort. Eventually, this quote encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to aim to make choices that will bring about the best quantity of happiness for all included.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
