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An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation

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Bentham's founding statement of utilitarianism: that pleasure and pain govern us, and that the right act is the one producing the greatest happiness of the greatest number. From this single measure he set out to rebuild law, punishment, and government on rational lines.

Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do. On the one hand the standard of right and wrong, on the other the chain of causes and effects, are fastened to their throne.

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