“I do not believe in the doctrine of the greatest good of the greatest number. The only real, dignified, human doctrine is the greatest good of all.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Reflects Gandhi's Sarvodaya rejection of utilitarianism ('greatest good of all' vs 'greatest good of the greatest number'); widely credited to his writings, but no dated primary (Young India/Harijan/CWMG) located to confirm exact wording.
About this quote
Majority-benefit math has a blind spot: it can quietly write off the few for the sake of the many and call the result progress. Holding out for the good of everyone forces you to keep counting the people a simpler calculation would leave behind.
When to use it
- A city plan reworked so the poorest block is not the one the new highway bulldozes.
- A team that refuses to ship a feature helping most users but locking out those with disabilities.
- A family decision where the quietest child's needs still get weighed, not just the loudest voice.