Jeremy Bentham, Be Humane To Every Creature That Breathes

Jeremy Bentham, born in London on 1748, spent much of his life critiquing British law. He was an outspoken advocate for legal reform, a critic of social and political doctrines, and the first person to produce a utilitarian justification for democracy. He critiqued and spoke about religion, international law, prison reform, the poor, and animal welfare. He advocated for the doctrine of Utilitarianism and the principle of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” He challenged existing institutions, practices and beliefs against an objective evaluative standard. He was a widely respected philosopher both in Britain and around the world, and his ideas and writings greatly influenced reforms during the 19th century, especially on developing social policy, welfare economics and law and jurisprudence. He was considered a visionary way ahead of his time.