"The principle of asceticism never was, nor ever can be, consistently pursued by any living creature. Let but one tenth part of the inhabitants of the earth pursue it consistently, and in a day's time they will have turned it into a Hell"

Jeremy Bentham's quote talks to the concept that asceticism, or the practice of self-denial and abstention from worldly satisfaction, is not a sustainable way of life for any living animal. He suggests that if even a tenth of the world's population were to pursue asceticism regularly, it would quickly become a living Hell. This quote indicates that asceticism is a severe way of life that is not conducive to a healthy and well balanced life. Bentham's quote also recommends that the pursuit of enjoyment and enjoyment is a needed part of life, and that denying oneself of these pleasures can result in a miserable presence. Eventually, Bentham's quote functions as a caution against the dangers of extreme asceticism and motivates moderation in all elements of life.