"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"

This quote by Mary Astell speaks to the concept of utilitarianism, which is the belief that the greatest excellent must be sought for the greatest variety of people. Astell is suggesting that when making choices, the good of the lots of ought to be prioritized over the good of the couple of or one. She likewise suggests that lasting excellent should be preferred over short-lived great, and that the general public good need to be focused on over the private good. This quote speaks with the concept of cumulative responsibility and the value of considering the higher good when making decisions. It is a reminder that we need to strive to make decisions that benefit the most people, and that we ought to prioritize long-lasting services over short-term repairs. Astell's quote is a tip that we must strive to make decisions that benefit one of the most individuals, which we must prioritize long-term solutions over short-term repairs.