On this date in 1748, Jeremy Bentham was born in London. The
great philosopher, utilitarian humanitarian and atheist began
learning Latin at age four. He earned his B.A. from Oxford by
age 15 or 16, and his M.A. at 18. His Rationale of Punishments
and Rewards was published in 1775, followed by his
groundbreaking utilitarian work, Introduction to the Principles
of Morals and Legislation. Bentham propounded his principle of
"the greatest happiness of the greatest number." He worked for
political, legal, prison and educational reform. Inheriting a
large fortune from his father in 1792, Bentham was free to spend
his remaining life promoting progressive causes. The renowned
humanitarian was made a citizen of France by the National
Assembly in Paris. In published and unpublished treatises,
Bentham extensively critiqued religion, the catechism, the use
of religious oaths and the bible. Using the pen-name Philip
Beauchamp, he co-wrote a freethought treatise, Analysis of the
Influence of Natural Religion on the Tempor