'On Liberty' Themes with textual references
Themes of J.S. Mill's essay On Liberty: 1. The Harm Principle: Mill contends that individuals should be able to act according to their own wishes if they do not infringe the rights of others. He famously wrote, "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others" (Chapter 1). 2. Individuality: Mill believed that individuality is valuable and should be celebrated. He wrote: "the free development of individuality is one of the most important factors of well-being" (Chapter 3). 3. Freedom of Thought and Speech: Reflecting his commitment to individuality, Mill supports the freedom of individuals to think and express themselves without censorship or state interference. He wrote, "The strange evil of silencing the expression of opinion is that it robs the human race, posterity, and present generations" (Chapter 2). 4. Freedom and Progress...