Jeremy Bentham, The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number: Section II. First Principles Enumerated — Human Nature 1
For further proof, reference may be made to the general, indeed the all-comprehensive, principle of human nature. The position which takes this fact for its subject, may be termed an axiom, and may be expressed in the words following.
In the general tenor of life, in every human breast, self-regarding interest is predominant over all other interests put together. More shortly thus,—Self-regard is predominant,—or thus,—Self-preference has place everywhere.
Themes
Jeremy Bentham (1748 to 1832) was a British philosopher and jurist. He is regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism, an ethical philosophy. He is also known for a prison design called the Panopticon, and a passionate defense of usury.