There are two principles of established acceptance in morals; first, that self-interest is the mainspring of all of our actions, and secondly, that utility is the test of their value.

Summary

This quote asserts two fundamental principles in moral philosophy. The first principle suggests that self-interest is the underlying motivator for all our actions. It implies that individuals engage in actions based on the benefit or advantage they perceive it will bring to themselves. The second principle posits that the utility, or usefulness, of an action determines its value. In other words, an action's value is measured by the extent to which it maximizes overall well-being or societal benefit. Together, these principles provide a framework for evaluating and understanding human behavior from a moral standpoint.

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