On Liberty
An argument about freedom, discussion and limits on social power.
John Stuart Mill
British philosophy · liberalism and utilitarianism
The person behind the ideas
John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was a British philosopher and reformer. In On Liberty he examined individual freedom, social pressure and discussion. His broader writings also addressed political economy, representative government and the position of women.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Born
- 1806
- Died
- 1873
- Era
- Nineteenth century
- Notable works
- On Liberty · The Subjection of Women
- Tradition
- British philosophy · liberalism and utilitarianism
Ideas and outlook
Mill explored the conditions of individual freedom and the value of open discussion. His writings also ask how institutions and social expectations shape the lives people can lead.
About the works
The Subjection of Women
An argument against women’s legal and social subordination.
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Other quotes across journeys
Across Western Thought
All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.
On Liberty · 1859
Visit this journey →Source details
On Liberty · 1859
Mill argues that suppressing an opinion assumes an authority’s judgment cannot be mistaken. The excerpt belongs to a developed argument about open discussion.
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