When John Stuart Mill says, "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied," he is implying
A)that Socrates wasn't a very happy person.
B)that Socrates should have enjoyed himself more.
C)that all pleasures are equal.
D)that some pleasures are better than others.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mill is suggesting that there are different levels of pleasure, or different qualities of enjoyment. Being human and capable of intellectual pursuits and critical thinking allows for a higher quality of pleasure than simply satisfying basic animalistic desires like a pig. Similarly, someone like Socrates who values philosophy and intellectual pursuits may experience a more fulfilling and meaningful pleasure than a fool who is content with shallow and fleeting pleasures.

When John Stuart Mill Says, "It Is Better to Be