The sum of the whole is plainly this: The nature of man considered in his single capacity, and with respect only to the present world, is adapted and leads him to attain the greatest happiness he can for himself in…

Quote by Joseph Butler

Topics: Joseph Butler Quotes

Happiness or satisfaction consists only in the enjoyment of those objects which are by nature...

Happiness or satisfaction consists only in the enjoyment of those objects which are by nature...

The principle we call self-love never seeks anything external for the sake of the thing,...

The principle we call self-love never seeks anything external for the sake of the thing,...

People might love themselves with the most entire and unbounded affection, and yet be extremely...

People might love themselves with the most entire and unbounded affection, and yet be extremely...

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the...

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the...

The Epistles in the New Testament have all of them a particular reference to the...

The Epistles in the New Testament have all of them a particular reference to the...

Self-love then does not constitute THIS or THAT to be our interest or good; but,...

Self-love then does not constitute THIS or THAT to be our interest or good; but,...

But to us, probability is the very guide of life.

But to us, probability is the very guide of life.

This was the man, this Balaam, I say, was the man, who desired to die...

This was the man, this Balaam, I say, was the man, who desired to die...

However, without considering this connection, there is no doubt but that more good than evil,...

However, without considering this connection, there is no doubt but that more good than evil,...

The final causes, then, of compassion are to prevent and to relieve misery.

The final causes, then, of compassion are to prevent and to relieve misery.

There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we...

There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we...

The tongue may be employed about, and made to serve all the purposes of vice,...

The tongue may be employed about, and made to serve all the purposes of vice,...

Every man hath a general desire of his own happiness; and likewise a variety of...

Every man hath a general desire of his own happiness; and likewise a variety of...

Every man is to be considered in two capacities, the private and public; as designed...

Every man is to be considered in two capacities, the private and public; as designed...

Man may act according to that principle or inclination which for the present happens to...

Man may act according to that principle or inclination which for the present happens to...

Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what...

Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what...

Remember likewise there are persons who love fewer words, an inoffensive sort of people, and...

Remember likewise there are persons who love fewer words, an inoffensive sort of people, and...

Thus self-love as one part of human nature, and the several particular principles as the...

Thus self-love as one part of human nature, and the several particular principles as the...

Happiness does not consist in self-love.

Happiness does not consist in self-love.

Compassion is a call, a demand of nature, to relieve the unhappy as hunger is...

Compassion is a call, a demand of nature, to relieve the unhappy as hunger is...