Quote by John Selden
Pleasures are all alike simply considered in themselves: he that hunts, or he that governs the commonwealth, they both please themselves alike, only we commend that, whereby we ourselves receive some benefit.
Summary
This quote by Francis Bacon explains that all pleasures, when considered in isolation, are essentially the same. Whether someone enjoys hunting or governing a country, the act of pleasing oneself is no different. However, what sets certain activities apart is the fact that we tend to praise and appreciate those pursuits that offer personal benefits or advantages to ourselves. In other words, it is not the nature of the pleasure itself but the potential benefits we gain from it that make us favorably perceive and commend certain activities over others.
Topics
Pleasure
By John Selden