On Liberty

This summary is very timely. So, I thought I would share some of these writings I did on the subjects.


In the article On Liberty, John Stuart Mill states that when the government deals within individuals in a civilized society, they must only use power for the purpose of diverting and protecting them from harm or harming others. They cannot interfere with an individual based on that persons moral agenda or whether it would be in their “good interest” to be overpowered. If interacting with a person to persuade their opinions, this is allowed, but no harm is to come to them to change said opinions. The persons conduct can only be judged if it concerns others, and then they must be held accountable to society. An individual is independent of by right, and they have total control over their thoughts and body.
Mill continues to say that these principles can only apply to humans that are “mature of their faculties”, unless they are children below age of consent. Those that require care, or that are incapacitated must be protected from society and themselves. The only time tyranny can be applied is when dealing with the uncivilized, only if it is means of improving that society. Free and equal discussion is the principle of Liberty. “Utility”, defined as the interests of man, should be used only to help man progress. Those in power have the authority to act upon those that are misguided and can hurt or harm other people. Mill says “If any one does an act hurtful to others, there is a prima facie case for punishing him, by law, or, where legal penalties are not safely applicable, by general disapprobation.” Acts that are beneficial to society are those one feels obligated to complete. These acts may be very beneficial to society. Offering evidence in a court of justice, defending society, or working to protect interests in the society. Mill believes it is man's duty to protect and serve society, to ignore, or take no action against wrong doing is to assume responsibility for those non-actions. There are exceptions to this rule which make one not accountable or judged by society.
Human liberty is comprised of three elements. One, “the inward domain of consciousness”, two, “the liberty of tastes and pursuits”, and lastly, “freedom to unite”. If a society lacks these basic human liberties it is not free. An individual must be allowed to pursue their own interests, as long as they do not infringe those interests on others in a harmful way to violate anothers individuals rights. Humans are in control of their bodies and minds. Finally, Mills ends his statement “Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.”