Francis Hutcheson Quotes

Francis Hutcheson lays out plain-spoken ethics, urging wise actions that lift the greatest number toward happiness.

7 quotes

1. That Action is best which procures the greatest Happiness for the greatest Numbers; and that worst, which, in like manner, occasions misery.

2. The ultimate notion of right is that which tends to the universal good; and when one's acting in a certain manner has this tendency he has a right thus to act.

3. Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.

4. Many are really virtuous who cannot explain what virtue is . . . But the powers themselves in reality perform their several operations with sufficient constancy and uniformity in persons of good health whatever their opinions be about them . . .

5. Unalienable rights are essential limitations to all governments.

6. That action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers.

7. That action is best which provides the greatest happiness for the greatest number