An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation

This is a methodical, rigorous for its time analysis of how to think about and account for what makes something "good" or "bad," taking roughly the perspective that by summing individual utility one can come upon an answer. While the exactness of this text is laudable to a certain extent, it's also its weakness as a lack of a consideration of non linear payoffs and the absence of analysis of social conditions that forecloses people from even conceiving of other opportunities are glaring holes in the overall work. Beyond that, there's the unsurprising but still disappointing Western-centrism, sexism, and racism peppered throughout. It's still an extremely thought provoking work, but it should be understood as a work that people have built upon and not a pinnacle of philosophical achievement. Highly recommend