How Does John Stuart Mill Define Happiness

In this quote John Stuart Mill is establishing that an inferior person is able to be satisfied easier than a person who can be considered of superior intellect. This is due to the lower person being unaware of the imperfect world they live in, whereas the “highly endowed being” will be aware that they can never be truly happy in an imperfect world (Mill 10). Mill states that a being of higher capabilities will require more to make him happy is more aware of the cruelty of the world (Mill 9). This makes finding happiness difficult due to any earthly happiness having fault for being from an imperfect world and due to the higher needs of an intellectual (Mill 10). While, a fool has desires for base pleasures more comparable to an animal

He also states for a fool to be of differing opinion of this is due to them not knowing what they are truly missing out on (Mill 10). On the other hand, a person who is capable of understanding fools are content and can find their happiness, yet to have intellect you are unable to fulfil themselves in the same way would never choose to be a fool (Mill 10). Mill argues that a man aware of lower and higher pleasures will understand higher pleasures are preferable to lower pleasure and that reasoning is what separates us from animals (Mill 11). Mill then brings up the opposition that due to this reasoning happiness is unattainable and cannot be the purpose of a human life (Mill 12). He argues this is not true and happiness is attainable, but the current educational and social systems in place hinder it (Mill 13). Mill’s argument is happiness should not be seen as an individual’s pursuit, but it concerns everyone’s interest (Mill 17). So while a fool may be fulfilled pursuing his own interests and that makes him happy, someone of higher intellect sees he has to pursue happiness for the majority and the greater