William Godwin Quotes


There is no sphere in which a human being can be supposed to act where one mode of reasoning will not, in every given instance, be more reasonable than any other mode. That mode the being is bound by every principle of justice to pursue.


Citations

Godwin, William. An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, and Its Influence on General Virtue and Happiness. Vol. 1, G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1793, p. 112.

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William Godwin
William Godwin
  • Born: March 3, 1756
  • Died: April 7, 1836
  • Nationality: English
  • Profession: Writer

William Godwin was an English journalist, political philosopher and novelist. He is considered one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and the first modern proponent of anarchism. Godwin is most famous for two books that he published within the space of a year: An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, an attack on political institutions, and Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams, an early mystery novel which attacks aristocratic privilege. Based on the success of both, Godwin featured prominently in the radical circles of London in the 1790s. He wrote prolifically in the genres of novels, history and demography throughout his life.