The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Chapter
III: Of Universal Benevolence explained
Smith argues that while our effective good deeds are limited to our own society, our goodwill can extend to the entire universe.
What happens
Smith argues that while our effective good deeds are limited to our own society, our goodwill can extend to the entire universe. Universal benevolence is rooted in sympathy and the desire for happiness of all sensible beings. The wise and virtuous man submits to the will of the divine Director, sacrificing personal and local interests for the greater good of the universe, much like a good soldier obeys his general. However, Smith cautions that contemplation of the universe must not lead to neglect of practical duties to family, friends, and country.
Themes in this chapter
Sympathy as the Foundation of Moral Judgment
Universal benevolence is presented as an extension of sympathy, where we desire the happiness of all innocent beings and feel aversion to their misery.
Self-Love and the Social Order
Smith contrasts private interest with the greater good, arguing that the wise man willingly sacrifices personal and local interests for the prosperity of the universe.
Characters to notice
- Marcus Antoninus
Cited as an example of a philosopher-emperor whose meditations on universal benevolence and divine providence earned him admiration, though Smith notes he was criticized for neglecting imperial duties.
Key passages
“Though our effectual good offices can very seldom be extended to any wider society than that of our country; our goodwill is circumscribed by no boundary, but may embrace the immensity of the universe.”
While our practical help is limited to our own nation, our goodwill has no limits and can extend to the entire universe.
Smith introduces the concept of universal benevolence as an unlimited moral sentiment.
“The wise and virtuous man is at all times willing that his own private interest should be sacrificed to the public interest of his own particular order or society. He is at all times willing, too, that the interest of this order or society should be sacrificed to the greater interest of the state or sovereignty... He should, therefore, be equally willing that all those inferior interests should be sacrificed to the greater interest of the universe.”
A wise and virtuous person is ready to sacrifice personal gain for the good of their group, and the group's good for the nation, and ultimately all these for the good of the entire universe.
Smith outlines a hierarchy of sacrifice leading to universal benevolence.
“The administration of the great system of the universe, however, the care of the universal happiness of all rational and sensible beings, is the business of God and not of man. To man is allotted a much humbler department... the care of his own happiness, of that of his family, his friends, his country.”
Managing the universe and ensuring universal happiness is God's role, not humanity's. Humans are tasked with the more modest duty of caring for themselves, their family, friends, and country.
Smith warns against neglecting practical duties in favor of philosophical contemplation.