Mill argues that individuality and uniqueness are not only vital for personal development but also for social progress and the creation of new ideas.

Mill worries that these pressures can lead to self-censorship, as people avoid expressing controversial opinions out of fear of being labeled immoral or heretical.This suppression stifles intellectual growth and denies society the opportunity to benefit from ideas that could combine with existing beliefs to create better outcomes.Mill argues that, while freedom of expression is crucial, views should not be protected by law from criticism. Instead, society should value the right to freely express, share, and discuss opinions, even if the public disapproves of how those opinions are presented.

Despite this, society often undervalues originality and creativity, prioritizing mediocrity over innovation. Mill warns that this trend threatens human advancement and urges people to embrace their individuality and creativity, rather than suppress them for the sake of conformity.

Embracing Individuality in a Conformist Society

John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty explores the tension between individual freedom and the authority of society or government. Mill investigates this topic to address the question of how much influence society or government can justifiably exert over individuals’ lives.

Introduction

When governments claim to represent the will of the people, they often represent only the will of the majority. This "tyranny of the majority" can impose its will on everyone, even if it contradicts individual preferences. This form of oppression is not limited to government but extends to social settings, where those who deviate from societal norms are punished in various ways.Mill argues that society must carefully consider how much public opinion should influence personal freedom and implement safeguards to prevent public opinion from gaining excessive power.

The Tyranny of the Majority

Mill observes that the conflict between personal liberty and authority has existed since the beginning of time. This tension gave rise to the idea that liberty means freedom and protection from tyranny or abuse. Historically, this led to the establishment of representative governments, such as in the United States, where leaders are elected for limited terms and can be replaced by the people. However, Mill notes that oppression is not limited to governmental power, it can also arise from societal norms and pressures.

The Historical Struggle Between Liberty and Authority

Mill focuses on individual liberty, particularly freedom of thought, speech, and action, and examines the limits of societal and governmental control over individuals. He notes that debates over the importance of freedom of the press are largely settled and instead discusses how societal pressures can prevent people from forming and expressing their own ideas.According to Mill, society’s tendency to suppress unpopular ideas hinders progress, as it prevents the exploration of potentially valuable truths.

Freedom of Expression and Its Social Importance

Mill asserts that individuality is a fundamental aspect of human nature and that blindly following tradition stifles independent thought and creativity. Over time, this leads to a loss of the ability to think critically. In the past, individuals struggled to balance their individuality with societal rules; now, society struggles to encourage individuality and break free from the grip of tradition.When people fail to think for themselves or follow their natural inclinations, they risk losing essential qualities that define humanity; energy, creativity, and independent thought.

The Decline of Independent Thought

He acknowledges that government intervention is justified if it is for the good of society as a whole, particularly when an individual’s actions harm or risk harming others. However, as long as individuals do not violate the rights of others, they should have full control over their choices and actions. Mill also clarifies that this principle applies only to responsible adults, not to children.For Mill, individual liberty includes freedom of thought and expression, the right to choose one’s own path, and the ability to associate with others for any purpose that does not harm others.

The Role of Government in Personal Freedom

Mill emphasizes the importance of listening to criticism of popular ideas, as it helps uncover hidden truths that can improve society. He believes human beings have the capacity to adapt and change when presented with better ideas, but this requires the freedom to discuss and challenge existing norms. Argument and debate about the truth of ideas keep their meaning alive and relevant.Despite the benefits of free expression, individuals who hold unconventional views often face social judgment or even legal repercussions.

The Role of Criticism in Social Growth

While it is essential to have rules preventing individuals from harming others, neither society nor government should dictate what people can or cannot do if their actions affect only themselves.

He criticizes how society often suppresses individuality by pressuring people to conform to majority opinions, either through laws or by spreading negative views about dissenters.

After establishing the importance of freedom of expression, Mill turns to the value of individuality. He identifies a growing threat to individuality: societal indifference to its importance. Many people view uniqueness as a potential disruption to social order, yet they also recognize that mindless conformity is undesirable.

The Value of Individuality

The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.

Silencing an opinion not only deprives society of the chance to evaluate its merits but also stops people from refining their understanding of other opinions in response. Open discussion and criticism are vital for a healthy society, as they help people avoid blindly following traditions and beliefs without fully understanding them.

Ultimately, Mill concludes that individuals should be free to do whatever they choose, as long as their actions do not harm others. He calls for a society that respects both personal liberty and individuality, recognizing their importance for the well-being of both individuals and the community.

Conclusion: The Balance Between Freedom and Harm

Summary of On Liberty by John Stuart Mill

In his much quoted, seminal work, On Liberty, John Stuart Mill attempts to establish standards for the relationship between authority and liberty. He emphasizes the importance of individuality which he conceived as a prerequisite to the higher pleasures-the summum bonum of Utilitarianism. Published in 1859, On Liberty presents one of the most eloquent defenses of individual freedom and is perhaps the most widely-read liberal argument in support of the value of liberty.