date

[clx. 439] 1822 July 26 Constitut
[clx. 439]

1822 July 26

Constitut. Code

On the principle of self-preference the effect is - that, as in every other situation so in that of ruler, generally speaking a man pursues his own happiness in preference to that of all other individuals put together: in preference to, and thence in so far as competition has place to the sacrifice of their happiness

The interest by which as being a member of the community in question he is prompted to take for his end and object of pursuit the greatest happiness of the greatest number may be termed his right and proper interest

The interest by which he is prompted to take for his end and object of pursuit his own interest to the sacrifice of the interest of the other members of that same community may be termed his sinister interest

In so far as he is considered as bound to take for his end in view the greatest happiness of the greatest number or the happiness of any individual or individuals other than himself, his power is said to be given to him in trust: in trust namely in the trust or confidence that it is to their happiness that the exercise of it will be directed: or shortly his power is said to be a trust.

In so far as instead of being directed to the production of the happiness of the greatest number it is to the production of his own happiness or that of some smaller number to the sacrifice of the greatest happiness of the greatest number that the exercise of such his power or trust is regarded as being directed, such trust is said to be broken or violated the line of conduct pursued by him is said to be pursued in breach or violation of such his trust.
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