Portrait of Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy Bentham

Utilitarianism founder

Early Modern influential 101 sayings

Sayings by Jeremy Bentham

Stinginess is a virtue, if it saves a penny for a useful purpose; crime is a virtue when it prevents a greater crime.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a concise expression of his utilitarian calculus.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The law is a harlot, because she is for sale.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a critical view of the legal system's susceptibility to influence.
General Unverifiable

The human race is divided into two classes, those who go ahead and do something, and those who sit still and inquire why it was not done the other way.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a common aphorism that reflects his pragmatic approach.
General Unverifiable

The more the merrier, the fewer the better fare.

Uncertain — Attributed, but a common idiom that he might have used in a utilitarian context, not a unique quote.
General Unverifiable

The best way to do good to ourselves is to do good to others.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a general principle consistent with utilitarianism.
General Unverifiable

Anarchical fallacies, which by their very nature never can be cured, are the natural and necessary consequences of the doctrine of imprescriptible rights.

1791-1795 (published posthumously) — Anarchical Fallacies; Being an Examination of the Declarations of Rights issued during the French Re…
General Unverifiable

The more extensive the knowledge of the law, the less the danger of injustice.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a general principle he advocated for.
General Unverifiable

The greatest good for the greatest number.

c. 1776 onwards — Often considered the summation of his philosophy, though the exact phrase was popularized by Francis…
Food & Drink Unverifiable

All government is a trust, and every branch of government is a trustee.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a foundational idea in his political philosophy.
General Unverifiable

Tyranny and anarchy are the two great evils that afflict mankind.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a common political observation.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a sentiment often associated with John Locke, but consistent with Bentham's reformist ai…
General Unverifiable

The more strictly we are confined to the letter of the law, the more likely we are to miss its spirit.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a critique of overly rigid legal interpretation.
General Unverifiable

The greatest happiness principle is the only one that can be consistently and universally applied.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, summarizing his core philosophical tenet.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

It is not the business of government to make men virtuous, but to make them safe.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, reflecting his focus on secular utility over moral imposition.
Work & Money Unverifiable

The power of the state ought to be limited to the prevention of mischief.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a principle of minimal state intervention.
General Unverifiable

The greatest good for the greatest number, and the greatest pain for the fewest.

c. 1776 onwards — A slightly variant and more explicit phrasing of his core principle, highlighting both positive and …
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, when speaking your mind or making your choice.

Uncertain — Attributed, but this rhyming structure and simplistic message are highly uncharacteristic of Bentham…
General Unverifiable

Individual happiness is the only criterion of the good.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, a summary of his individualistic utilitarian foundation.
General Unverifiable

The only good reason for a law is to prevent a greater evil.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, reflecting his minimalist approach to legislation and focus on harm reduction.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The age of reason is the age of experiment.

c. 1780s-1820s — Attributed, emphasizing his empirical and scientific approach to social reform.
Life & Aging Unverifiable
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