Is it right to take on pain for yourself if it helps maximize the pleasure of others?

Personally it’s happened to me.

It depends but I don’t really think a person in their right mind would want to take any pain ….pain is really hard to bare

Jacqueline, thank you for your thoughtful question.

That’s a core question in ethics, and the answer really depends on your moral framework.

Briefly, here are two main perspectives:

1. Yes, it can be right — if you follow Utilitarianism, which aims to create the greatest good for the greatest number. Sacrificing your own pleasure for the greater happiness of others could be seen as morally good.

2. Not always — from a rights- or virtue-based view, your own well-being also matters. Constantly sacrificing your happiness could be unjust to you or enable exploitation, unless it’s a choice made freely from a place of compassion.

In short: occasional, voluntary sacrifice can be noble. But if it becomes self-destructive or forced, it may not be right.

Yes, I would sacrifice for my family.