Jeremy Bentham

Date of Birth: February 15, 1748

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: June 6, 1832

Biography

Jeremy Bentham was an influential English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer, often regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. Born in London in 1748, Bentham was a child prodigy who began studying Latin at the age of three. He attended Queen’s College, Oxford, at the remarkably young age of 12 and later trained as a lawyer, although he never practiced law. Bentham’s most significant contribution to philosophy is his principle of “the greatest happiness of the greatest number,” which became the cornerstone of utilitarian ethics. His seminal works include “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation” (1789) and “The Rationale of Reward” (1825). Bentham was also a fervent advocate for legal and social reforms, including prison reform, animal rights, and the abolition of slavery. An eccentric figure, Bentham is also known for his concept of the “Panopticon,” a design for prisons that allowed a single guard to observe all inmates without them knowing whether they were being watched. This idea has had a lasting influence on modern surveillance theories. Bentham passed away in 1832, but his legacy endures. His preserved body, dressed in his own clothes and seated in a glass case, is still on display at University College London, a testament to his unique approach to life and death.

5 Interesting Facts about Jeremy Bentham

1. Jeremy Bentham is considered the father of modern utilitarianism.

2. He conceptualized the “Panopticon,” a design for prisons that has influenced modern surveillance theories.

3. Bentham was a child prodigy who began studying Latin at the age of three and attended Queen’s College, Oxford, at the age of 12.

4. His body is preserved and displayed at University College London, known as the “Auto-Icon.”

5. Bentham advocated for numerous social reforms, including prison reform, animal rights, and the abolition of slavery.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jeremy Bentham

1. “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation.”

2. “The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?”

3. “Every law is an infraction of liberty.”

4. “Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.”

5. “Secrecy, being an instrument of conspiracy, ought never to be the system of a regular government.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jeremy Bentham’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he lived during a period when such financial records were not commonly kept for philosophers. However, he was known to be financially comfortable, thanks to his family inheritance and prudent management of his resources.