Reason shows me that if my happiness is desirable and good, the equal happiness of any other person must be equally desirable. Henry Sidgwick More Quotes by Henry Sidgwick More Quotes From Henry Sidgwick We think so because all other people think so; Henry Sidgwick people knowledge thinking One has to kill a few of one’s natural selves to let the rest grow — a very painful slaughter of innocents. Henry Sidgwick painful self natural 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?' Henry Sidgwick psychology sacrifice feelings Society is like a schoolmaster who estimates boys according to their conformity to a standard that is easiest for running a school. Henry Sidgwick running boys school