David Hume www.utilitarianism.net/hume In all determinations of morality, this circumstance of public utility is ever principally in view; and wherever disputes arise, either in philosophy or common life, concerning the bounds of duty, the question cannot, by any means, be decided with greater certainty, than by ascertaining, on any side, the true interests of mankind. An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals , sect. II, pt. II