On Liberty
Essential Life Skills You'll Learn
Defending Free Expression
Understand why unpopular opinions deserve protection
Resisting Social Tyranny
Recognize when society oversteps its legitimate authority
Cultivating Individuality
Develop your unique character against conformist pressures
Applying the Harm Principle
Distinguish between self-regarding and other-regarding actions
These skills are woven throughout the analysis, helping you see how classic literature provides practical guidance for navigating today's complex world.
On Liberty is John Stuart Mill's seminal work on the nature and limits of power that can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual. Published in 1859, it argues for the importance of individuality, the freedom of thought and discussion, and the limits of authority. Mill's harm principle—that the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against their will, is to prevent harm to others—remains one of the most influential ideas in political philosophy.
Meet Your Guide
Maya
Someone navigating the tension between individual expression and social conformity, defending the right to dissent and think differently
Table of Contents
The Struggle Between Liberty and Authority
Mill opens by identifying the central tension of modern life: where should society's power over indi...
The Liberty of Thought and Discussion
Mill builds his strongest case for absolute freedom of expression, arguing that silencing any opinio...
The Power of Being Different
Mill makes his boldest argument yet: society needs weirdos, rebels, and nonconformists to survive an...
Drawing the Line: Where Society's Power Ends
Mill tackles the hardest question in his entire argument: exactly where does individual freedom end ...
When Rules Meet Reality
Mill closes his essay by wrestling with the messy reality of applying his principles to actual situa...
About John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an English philosopher, political economist, and civil servant. A prominent liberal thinker of the 19th century, he was a proponent of utilitarianism and made significant contributions to social theory, political theory, and political economy. His work On Liberty is considered one of the most important defenses of individual freedom ever written.
Get the Full Book
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Related Resources
You Might Also Like
Free to read • No account required