Joseph Butler Quotes

Joseph Butler — English Clergyman born on May 18, 1692, died on June 16, 1752

Joseph Butler was an English bishop, theologian, apologist, and philosopher. He was born in Wantage in the English county of Berkshire. He is known, among other things, for his critique of Thomas Hobbes's egoism and John Locke's theory of personal identity. During his life and after his death, Butler influenced many philosophers, including David Hume, Thomas Reid, and Adam Smith... (wikipedia)

God Almighty is, to be sure, unmoved by passion or appetite, unchanged by affection; but then it is to be added that He neither sees nor hears nor perceives things by any senses like ours; but in a manner infinitely more perfect.

Thus self-love as one part of human nature, and the several particular principles as the other part, are, themselves, their objects and ends, stated and shown.

Happiness does not consist in self-love.

People might love themselves with the most entire and unbounded affection, and yet be extremely miserable.

But to us, probability is the very guide of life.