Henry Sidgwick Quotes

One has to kill a few of one’s natural selves to let the rest grow — a very painful slaughter of innocents.

I do not see why the axiom of Prudence should not be questioned, when it conflicts with present inclination, on a ground similar to that on which Egoists refuse to admit the axiom of Rational Benevolence. If the Utilitarian has to answer the question, 'Why should I sacrifice my own happiness for the greater happiness of another?' it must surely be admissible to ask the Egoist 'Why should I sacrifice a present pleasure for a greater one in the future? Why should I concern myself about my own future feelings any more than about the feelings of other persons?'

Society is like a schoolmaster who estimates boys according to their conformity to a standard that is easiest for running a school.

Reason shows me that if my happiness is desirable and good, the equal happiness of any other person must be equally desirable.