In On Liberty, John Stuart Mill details his philosophy, concerning the political and societal role of the individual within a democratic society. John Stuart Mill's philosophy centers on discovering the balance between liberty and authority; although Mill believes that government is necessary to foster and regulate democracy, he is apprehensive of instances in which the government infringes upon the civil liberties of the individual. Respecting the sovereignty and autonomy of the individual is of the utmost importance to Mill, and the successful progression of society. In On Liberty, Mill warns of the main threat to individuality, social tyranny, and emphasizes the importance of nonconformity to the preservation of the individual.
John Stuart …show more content…
John Stuart Mill disapproves of individuals who complacently allow external influences to mold their opinions, desires, and life goals. Mill emphasizes this disapproval by stating, "He who lets the world…choose his plan of life for him has no…other faculty than the ape-like one of imitation" (Mill 56). Imitation is the equivalent of conformity, a practice that detracts from a truly democratic society. The tone of disdain, with which Mill regards blind conformity, is apparent throughout the text. Mill praises the traits of firmness, self-control, and deliberation—traits that present themselves in individuals who recognize their sovereignty and take full advantage of their faculties. Mill's philosophy attempts to enlighten the individual of their autonomy and the capability they have to affect change within their society. According to Mill, as the individual recognizes his sovereignty, he increases his self-worth, and subsequently, his societal value. Mill compares human nature to a tree that grows and develops due to the will of its inward forces—as opposed to a society-created machine, programmed by its manufacturers to complete one, monotonous, unexceptional task for all of its lifetime (Mill 56, 57). The entity of the individual is imperative to the progress of society in that, individual thought challenges society to recognize, and reflect, the diversity of its people. Furthermore, individuals contribute more to society when they are free to offer personal or controversial ideas, without fear of repercussion or restraint. Society ultimately benefits and improves from nonconformity and the facilitation of an absolute freedom of opinion; Mill supports this conclusion by stating that, "Genius can only breathe in an atmosphere of freedom" (Mill 62). Mill denounces a government and society that disregards the uniqueness of the
John Stuart …show more content…
John Stuart Mill disapproves of individuals who complacently allow external influences to mold their opinions, desires, and life goals. Mill emphasizes this disapproval by stating, "He who lets the world…choose his plan of life for him has no…other faculty than the ape-like one of imitation" (Mill 56). Imitation is the equivalent of conformity, a practice that detracts from a truly democratic society. The tone of disdain, with which Mill regards blind conformity, is apparent throughout the text. Mill praises the traits of firmness, self-control, and deliberation—traits that present themselves in individuals who recognize their sovereignty and take full advantage of their faculties. Mill's philosophy attempts to enlighten the individual of their autonomy and the capability they have to affect change within their society. According to Mill, as the individual recognizes his sovereignty, he increases his self-worth, and subsequently, his societal value. Mill compares human nature to a tree that grows and develops due to the will of its inward forces—as opposed to a society-created machine, programmed by its manufacturers to complete one, monotonous, unexceptional task for all of its lifetime (Mill 56, 57). The entity of the individual is imperative to the progress of society in that, individual thought challenges society to recognize, and reflect, the diversity of its people. Furthermore, individuals contribute more to society when they are free to offer personal or controversial ideas, without fear of repercussion or restraint. Society ultimately benefits and improves from nonconformity and the facilitation of an absolute freedom of opinion; Mill supports this conclusion by stating that, "Genius can only breathe in an atmosphere of freedom" (Mill 62). Mill denounces a government and society that disregards the uniqueness of the