In Defense of Liberty and Individuality
It is a little-known fact that for the past century, every American president has been given a copy of John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty[1] upon entering office. Since its publication in 1859, On Liberty’s discussions of liberty and individuality have been a foundation for modern Western political thought and for the liberal democracy. Mill brings to light a unique perspective on the relationship between liberty and individuality, and in the end, on tolerance. According to Mill, individual liberty should be limited by one, and only one thing: the self-preservation of society and other individuals. To that end, man should be free to act and even more so to think in any form he wishes, without the suppression of ideas or opinions, as long as it does not prevent others from doing the same. This liberty will diversify society and allow individuality to flourish. For Mill, liberty—based on a recognition of man’s fallibility and right to self-preservation—breeds individuality, which in turn leads to the betterment of individual character and of society as a whole.
Mill begins On Liberty by stating his goal explicitly: a discussion of civil or social liberty and more specifically, what power society or government can legitimately wield over the people—“the struggle between Liberty and Authority” (On Liberty, 3). As will be shown in more detail later, Mill seems to find himself, and the developed world, in a period of transition. He notes that historical liberty was based on seeking protection against the political tyranny of leaders who did not rule by the will of the people or for the good of the people. Reformers, unsatisfied with the state of affairs, tried to limit the r...
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...nt of recognizing all sides of the truth, are principles applicable to men’s modes of action, not less than their opinions” (On Liberty, 58).
He argues that liberty and individuality are not only related, but are inseparable. He grounds his reasoning in the utilitarian view that because man is not perfect, no opinion or life should be taken as correct or incorrect unless given a chance to be tested, and that society and individuals can only progress if these tests are allowed. Mill remarks that society is currently being dominated by an emerging conformity and mediocrity. He sees individuality as the only hope to curb this dangerous progression, and liberty as individuality’s creator and protector.
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[1] Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. The Modern Library: New York, 2002.
He is was total opposite of Metternich. Mill’s “On liberty” essay was about the individual liberty. To Mill’s, the only important thing is the happiness of the individual, and such happiness may only be accomplished in an enlightened society, in which people are free to partake in their own interests. Thus, Mills stresses the important value of individuality, of personal development, both for the individual and society for future progress. For Mill, an educated person is the one who acts on what he or she understands and who does everything in his or her power to understand. Mill held this model out to all people, not just the specially gifted, and advocates individual initiative over social control. He emphasizes that things done by individuals are done better than those done by governments. Also, individual action advances the mental education of that individual, something that government action cannot ever do, and for government action always poses a threat to liberty and must be carefully
In Eric Foner’s book, The Story of American Freedom, he writes a historical monograph about how liberty came to be. In the book, his argument does not focus on one fixed definition of freedom like others are tempted to do. Unlike others, Foner describes liberty as an ever changing entity; its definition is fluid and does not change in a linear progress. While others portray liberty as a pre-determined concept and gradually getting better, Foner argues the very history of liberty is constantly reshaping the definition of liberty, itself. Essentially, the multiple and conflicting views on liberty has always been a “terrain of conflict” and has changed in time (Foner xv).
...Mill does not implicitly trust or distrust man and therefore does not explicitly limit freedom, in fact he does define freedom in very liberal terms, however he does leave the potential for unlimited intervention into the personal freedoms of the individual by the state. This nullifies any freedoms or rights individuals are said to have because they subject to the whims and fancy of the state. All three beliefs regarding the nature of man and the purpose of the state are bound to their respective views regarding freedom, because one position perpetuates and demands a conclusion regarding another.
For Mill, the freedom that enables each individual to explore his or her own particular way of life is essential for a generous and diverse development of humanity. The only source of potential within society to further continue human development is the spontaneity or creativity that lies within each individual. Mill has a utilitarian view on freedom. He was especially keen on individual liberty because it allowed the greatest measure of happiness. His concern is not to declare liberty as a natural right but to rather set out the appropriate constraints within ‘Civil or Social liberty’. Civil liberty is defined as the limit society can exert its legitimate power over each individual and social liberty has much to do with a political principle
John Stuart Mill defines liberty, as a limitation of power; “By liberty, was meant protection against the tyranny of the political rulers. The rulers were conceived (except in some of the popular governments of Greece) as in a necessarily antagonistic position to the people whom they ruled.” (John Stuart Mill “On Liberty” Pg. 29) This limit on power is what he refers to as civil liberty; the limitation is put into play for the people, Mill acknowled...
...ave the freedm to make mistakes and have discussions and debates in a healthy setting where others can learn from each other, and be able to raise their voice without having to be worried by the idea of being bullied. He strongly believed in having the freedom to develop your own personality and having the strength to make choices. Mills is only able to see progress in society if we enter a world of culture, free conformity, and harm. We must be given the right to free expression, freedom and the right to liberty without the fear of threat or being silenced. It’s because of these justifications that mill believes that mankind would not be justified in silencing an individual just like that one inidivdual, if given the power to do so, would not be justified in silencing all of mankind. Through these actions, we as humans will create the ultimate gaood for mankind.
John Mill’s On Liberty seeks to expound on how individuals and the society can exist as liberal entities without infringing on each other’s rights. Liberty is the condition of being free within the society, that is free from any form of restriction inflicted by authority. He argues that individual freedom is the basis of democracy where people exercise their own free will (Mill 2005). He also rejects the idea of social contract where individuals comply with society for them to gain social benefit (Mill 2005). It is generally thought that social development can only occur if certain constraints are placed on individual liberty. But the contrary is also true, if restriction are placed on people’s freedom, it becomes difficult for them to thrive
John Stuart Mill discusses the conception of liberty in many ways. I’d like to focus of his ideas of the harm principle and a touch a little on his thoughts about the freedom of action. The harm principle and freedom on action are just two subtopics of Mill’s extensive thoughts about the conception on liberty. Not only do I plan to discuss and explain each of these parts on the conception of liberty, but I also plan to discuss my thoughts and feelings. I have a few disagreements with Mill on the harm principle; they will be stated and explained. My thoughts and feelings on Mill vary but I’d like to share my negative opinion towards the principle and hope to put it in a different perspective.
Abuse may not outwardly begin as a physical action against the victim. “Approximately two-thirds of Americans say it is hard to determine whether someone has been a victim of domestic abuse” (Break The Cycle). The abuser typically starts by attacking the victim mentally and emotionally. Beginning signs that one could be in an abusive relationship is if the suspected abuser shows signs of possessiveness, extreme jealousy, or insecurity over the relationship. More expressive signs of violent behavior would be an explosive temper, unpredictable mood swings, or constantly putting down his/her partner (Break The Cycle). By expressing these characteristics, an abuser will begin to isolate the victim from his/her family and friends. Once he or she has managed to create an attachment between the victim and themselves, the physical violence might begin to take place. After an attack, oftentimes the abuser will excessively apologize to the victim in an attempt to earn back their trust. Victims are often embarrasse...
Almost every adult you encounter can say they have been drunk or slightly intoxicated some point throughout their life, but how many can admit to drunk driving. The use of alcohol when driving is completely frivolous and endangers the lives of others that share the road or is even a passenger in the vehicle. Penalties for DUIs should be harsher as if it was attempted murder or drug use. With the slightest mistake or misjudgment can cost you your own life or the life of someone else.
Teen violence could be prevented, with proper parenting. Low self-esteem is the leading reasons for becoming a teen violence target. As we know each relationship is unique in his own way, there are a few normal situations that can be an issue to teen dating violence. Most cases the abuser may have once been a victim or witnessed domestic violence themselves, situations that could impact this type of behavior, the abuser could have been raised with strict views on masculinity roles or they could have develop a level of anger management due to witnessed her mother being abused by their father.
middle of paper ... ... Philosophers, such as John Stuart Mill, have debated the role and the extension of government in the people’s lives for centuries. Mill presents a clear and insightful argument, claiming that the government should not be concerned with the free will of the people unless explicit harm has been done to an individual. However, such ideals do not build a strong and lasting community. It is the role of the government to act in the best interests at all times through the prevention of harm and the encouragement of free thought.
“Some children may become more aggressive as a result of watching and playing violent video games” (Violent). From the video games the children wants to try new things they learn from it. The children will think it's cool to act like the things they see in the video games. Kids will also be irritated cause of the video games they play and they will act aggressively to others. Children will also try to play aggressively with their friends. They will call their friends names for not being able to take t...
With fast growing technology has made video games better. It has created a getaway place where one can role play and forget about the reality. But as video games become more popular it also becomes more and more violent. Playing hours of violent video games so impact the mind and behavior of young teens and children. Violent video games can cause aggressive behavior in children and teens. Children and young teens play hour of violent video games learn to be more violent and more demanding. They also seem too distant themselves form others and to be in their own world. This can cause interference with reality, being confused between the virtual world and
The youngest coal is not even coal yet it’s called peat. It is cut from the earth, dried and burned for heat. The energy content of peat is quite low.