Joseph Stein’s novel, Fiddler on the Roof, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of following tradition. While the main character strictly adheres to custom, J.S. Mill, in his book On Liberty, contradicts the general theme presented in Stein’s novel. Mill promotes the idea of individualism from society and, more importantly, from custom. Through his use of language, imagery, and the Harm Principle, Mill argues for individualism in a stagnant society. Originally, Mill’s essay On Liberty appears wordy and full of repetition; however, it is this use of repetition which aids in proving his point of individualism. As a cautious writer, Mill explores not only his argument about society’s control over an individual, but also the counterargument.
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First, the “inward domain of consciousness (Mill 11)” repels the general norm of conformity. It inspires human persons to possess their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions rather than pursue the customary traditions. Closely following is the idea of “liberty of tastes and pursuits (Mill 12).” Mill’s Harm Principle encourages people to broaden their goals in life beyond the restrictions and traditions of society. Lastly, his Principle acknowledges the idea the individual “follows the liberty, within the same limits, of combination among individuals; freedom to unite for any purpose not involving harm to others (Mill 12).” Mill believes society should allows individuals to do whatever they believe is in their best interest as long as it causes no harm to others. For example, young women today who become pregnant before they are ready to be a mother discover themselves following the social belief in abortion. The child, while just a fetus at the time, is still alive as a human being. By having an abortion performed, the women is allowing the abortionist to harm-- to kill-- the baby growing inside her. Based off Mill’s Harm Principle, this social custom is one in which he would advocate for an individual to rebel against. Mill’s Harm Principle correlates with the idea of living life as an individual and choosing to follow one’s own beliefs without harming others in
First, the “inward domain of consciousness (Mill 11)” repels the general norm of conformity. It inspires human persons to possess their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions rather than pursue the customary traditions. Closely following is the idea of “liberty of tastes and pursuits (Mill 12).” Mill’s Harm Principle encourages people to broaden their goals in life beyond the restrictions and traditions of society. Lastly, his Principle acknowledges the idea the individual “follows the liberty, within the same limits, of combination among individuals; freedom to unite for any purpose not involving harm to others (Mill 12).” Mill believes society should allows individuals to do whatever they believe is in their best interest as long as it causes no harm to others. For example, young women today who become pregnant before they are ready to be a mother discover themselves following the social belief in abortion. The child, while just a fetus at the time, is still alive as a human being. By having an abortion performed, the women is allowing the abortionist to harm-- to kill-- the baby growing inside her. Based off Mill’s Harm Principle, this social custom is one in which he would advocate for an individual to rebel against. Mill’s Harm Principle correlates with the idea of living life as an individual and choosing to follow one’s own beliefs without harming others in