Jeremy Bentham
1748–1832 · English (London) · Enlightenment/Victorian
Known for: Invented utilitarianism — the greatest happiness for the greatest number — and asked to be stuffed and displayed after death
Jeremy Bentham founded utilitarianism — the ethical theory that the right action is whatever produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number. He designed the Panopticon (an all-seeing prison), advocated for animal rights, women's suffrage, and the decriminalization of homosexuality — centuries ahead of his time.
Per his will, his body was preserved and displayed at University College London, where his 'auto-icon' still sits in a glass case.
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