[PW] The good of the many

[Carolyn]

Good morning --

I am once again seeking the source of an adage, trying to determine 
whether it's a true quotation or just a philosophical remark that's 
been around for ages. My online searching has not answered the question.

The saying as I've always known it is: "The good of the many 
outweighs the needs of the one."

A version appeared in one of the Star Trek movies, wherein Spock 
saves the day by sacrificing himself, with his dying words being, 
"The good of the many outweighs the good of the one." Variations of 
this are all over the Internet, and it's the only attribution I've 
uncovered. Yet I am positive that the saying originates well before Star Trek!

Can anyone shed light on this subject. Many thanks.

Carolyn Haley
DocuMania
Author: Open Your Heart with Gardens