The Descent of Man

and to take as the standard of morality, the general
good or welfare of the community, rather
than the general happiness; but this definition
would perhaps require some limitation on account
of political ethics.
When a man risks his life to save that of a fellow-creature,
it seems also more correct to say
that he acts for the general good, rather than for
the general happiness of mankind. No doubt
the welfare and the happiness of the individual
usually coincide; and a contented, happy tribe
will flourish better than one that is discontented
and unhappy. We have seen that even at an
early period in the history of man, the expressed
wishes of the community will have naturally
influenced to a large extent the conduct of
each member; and as all wish for happiness, the
"greatest happiness principle" will have become
a most important secondary guide and object;
the social instinct, however, together with sympathy
(which leads to our regarding the appro-