Philosophy

The Basic Writings of John Stuart Mill

Name: The Basic Writings of John Stuart Mill
Rating: 4.8 (1000 reviews)
Author: John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill

27 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•The historical and philosophical foundations of individual liberty.
•The importance of free thought and discussion for intellectual and moral growth.
•How individuality contributes to personal well-being and societal progress.
•The principles and defenses of utilitarian ethics.
•The relationship between justice and utility in moral theory.
•The social and legal arguments against the subjection of women.
•The ongoing relevance of Mill's ideas to contemporary social and political issues.

Who should read this

✓Students of philosophy and political theory
✓Advocates of civil liberties and human rights
✓Feminists and gender studies scholars
✓Ethicists and moral philosophers

About this book

A foundational collection of John Stuart Mill's writings on liberty, utilitarian ethics, justice, and women's rights, shaping modern liberal thought.

Did You Know?

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John Stuart Mill was tutored by his father and began learning Greek at age three.

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Audio Summary

Section 1

The Essence of Liberty: Defining the Boundaries of Freedom

3:45

9 Sections

Preview: The Essence of Liberty: Defining the Boundaries of Freedom

Imagine a world where your every thought and action is scrutinized not only by the law but by the invisible yet powerful force of society’s opinion. True liberty is not merely the absence of political tyranny but the protection from the subtle tyranny of the majority. The essence of freedom lies in a principle so simple yet profound: the only justification to exercise power over an individual is to prevent harm to others. This principle draws a clear boundary between the self-regarding actions, which belong to the individual alone, and other-regarding actions, which may be subject to control.

Historically, liberty was first understood as a shield against the arbitrary power of kings and rulers. Citizens sought to limit the reach of monarchs to ensure their personal safety and rights. But as societies evolved, this struggle transformed. The power shifted from a singular ruler to the collective will of the people, birthing democracy. Yet, democracy, while empowering, carries the risk of the majority oppressing the minority, a new form of tyranny. This majority, wielding its collective strength, can enforce conformity not through laws alone but through societal expectations, customs, and pressures that penetrate deeply into the fabric of daily life.

Consider how social norms dictate our dress, speech, and even beliefs, often more powerfully than any law. This social coercion can be so pervasive that individuals internalize these norms, unknowingly limiting their own freedom. Such tyranny of prevailing opinion can enslave the soul itself, making protection against it as vital as protection from political despotism.

In this light, the liberty principle demands that society’s power be curtailed except where necessary to prevent harm to others. Actions that affect only oneself should remain free from interference, even if they seem unwise or foolish to others. This respect for individual sovereignty is the bedrock of a free society.

As we move forward, we will explore how this principle extends into the realm of thought and expression, where freedom is not just a right but a necessity for intellectual and moral growth. The journey into liberty deepens as we consider the freedom of ideas and the dangers of silencing dissenting voices.