JOHN STUART MILL
bowcottonsromsfield.com "On Liberty"
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"An Essay about a Great Man"
The best role model from the Victorian era is philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). Born in London, the son of philosopher James Mill, he was educated by his father beginning at the age of three and later studied classics, history, philosophy and mathematics.1 His life is one of outstanding achievements and his philosophies have made vast contributions to societies throughout the world. In his autobiography he states, "the first intellectual operation in which I arrived at any proficiency, was dissecting a bad argument, and finding in what part the fallacy lay ." 2 The legendary Mill dissected the good philosophies as well as the harmful ones and never disregarded any idea as useless. A great deal of his notoriety stemmed from his reputation of studying his opponents' argument more intensely than his own. He proudly agreed with his adversaries who referred to him as contrarian and he wrote "the usefulness of an opinion itself is a matter of opinion "3 Because he strived to protect the ideas of minorities within cultures, taking on the task of the contrarian is what makes John Stuart Mill an outstanding role model to the current age, and it is almost certain that his ideas will continue to resonate long into the future.
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Reflect onward The primary reason that John Stuart Mill is the greatest role model of the Victorian era is his most notorious piece of literature, "On Liberty". It is a fabulously written essay--one in which Mill writes about the 'tyranny of the majority'. The Central idea in his philosophy is the possibility that one person's ideas can have truth-value, albeit the majority of mankind may disagree absolutely. Mill writes, "If all of mankind minus one were of the opinion, and only one person were under the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person that he, if had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."4
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Another fascinating aspect of this essay is how he makes the distinction between like ages, and he notes history's suggestion that individuals living during those eras have historically followed true to the beliefs established during their respective ages. Mill writes, "Yet it is evident in and of itself, as any amount of argument can make it, that ages are no more infallible than individuals--every age having held many opinions, now general, will be rejected by future ages, as it is that many, once general, are rejected by the present". 5 Because of the argumentative nature of the essay, it remains one of the most famously quoted. The value of the ideas that Mill establishes in "On Liberty" makes it one of the most incorporated into the political foundations of modern times.
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Mill's philosophical endeavors in "On Liberty" are also amongst the most practical propositions on issues of humanity. His notoriety is due largely to his efforts of making unique arguments which entail newly found sets of rules, which produce a newly found sets of results which effectively led his heroic rail against what he perceived as the unscrupulous issues of his day. While some opposed Mill's philosophical viewpoints, Mill intrigued minds and welcomed the rebuttals of many sought after Victorian figures. If Mill were present today, his diplomatic personality an innovative methods of thinking, speaking and writing would make him an asset in resolving some of our world's most difficult political turmoil. Mill humbly understood, though he possessed and elite mind, his knowledge was limited by what he could actually see, experience or scientifically experiment. These character qualities not only made him a great adversary to the 'tyranny of the majority' in the Victorian era, his intellectual assets would also make him a exemplary figure to any age.
atheism.about.com One of the most notable propositions written about in "On Liberty" is the no harm principle; a principle that upholds the liberties of individuals. Mill heroically displays an understanding of individualism and the "liberty of thought itself". His inspirational discourse concerns the understanding of individuals and all aspects of individual lives; further more, every aspect and circumstance that affects them. He writes that free thought "comprises, first, the inward domain of consciousness" . This unique principle theorizes about how innate free thought is, how it is a key element to our existence, and how it pertains to our sense of individual experience of happiness within the societies that we live and how without it, we lose our sense of liberty.
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The concept of free thought intrigued Mill throughout his life, though he stood strongly principled regarding humanitarian issues. The writings included in his philosophical endeavor in "On Liberty" are among the most practical viewpoints on oppression and morality ever authored. Another notable ideal written about in "On Liberty" is one that Mill coined the 'no harm principle'; a principle which upholds the liberties of individuals. Mill authors a brilliantly constructed philosophy. He writes, "require liberty of tastes and pursuits". 6 He proposes that each individual has the right to pursue happiness as long as they do not harm another individual while making those pursuits. Mill's assertion is that societies are not free unless the individuals' freedoms within those societies are protected, in spite of others deeming their actions as "foolish, perverse, or wrong". 7 He adds a rationale that no authority ought justifiably intervene with one's actions unless the no harm principle is violated. In the Victorian era it was considered to be a progressive idea. This wisdom would reverberate even further Mill's status as role model to present time, and if he were alive today he might even be a viable candidate for the libertarian party! He would definitely make a great leader and might also be a proud, card carrying member of the ACLU.
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GW would wouldn't violate your civil liberties because.... it wouldn't be prudent. Mill's objective rationale concerning the existence of God reasoned that he could not provide substantial evidence to support God's existence; yet, he could not, by any rational argument that he could make, confirm the non-existence of a creator. He discusses the pros and cons of Christianity, but he ultimately reasons that it's the size of the church, thus its power to oppress, that has become the real issue of concern. Mill subsequently writes about the "inflicting of evil" on those with different ideas. Almost comically, in accordance with his astute reasoning, Mill writes about the martyrdom of Socrates, "Socrates was put to death, but the Socratic method rose like the sun".8 His agnostic viewpoint provides that, over time, mankind has never been able to solve the riddle of religion and, like Socrates, Mill's methods rose like the sun and are strongly present today.
Do these 10 things or you'll suffer a burning eternity. A prime example of Mill's exemplary character occurred when he took a hard-line stance against slavery. In his response in 1850, TO THE EDITOR OF FRAZER'S MAGAZINE. 9 He wrote about the atrocities of slavery dating back to nearly tow centuries before the time of his rebuttal. With his admirable leadership qualities in tact, Mill argues for the right of all people, including slaves to work for a living and expressed his disgust with the magazine author when he wittingly writes, mockingly, "I am so far from seeing anything contemptible in this resolution, that, in my sober opinion, the persons who formed and executed it deserve to be those, not so deserving in any given age, who have led noble lives according to their lights, and laid on mankind a debt of permanent gratitude"10. The rationale provided to these outdated ideas are somewhat comical due to his wit, yet it illuminates the harsh realities of the matter involving slavery and the need to abolish it. Mill doesn't claim to be the first abolitionist in history, but his way of articulating and pointing out the fallible nature of these inhumane practices are what make John Stuart Mill an esteemed icon.
Mill's philosophies were largely based on empirical observations. He developed "Mills Methods", a system of logic that is the chief method used in modern science. Mill's established logical system lends reasoning to key issues such as those pressing mankind rectifying pressing issues facing humankind and its power struggle. His insight to human conscientious of thought and happiness, conflict of power, science and religion as well as abstract philosophies dig deeper into the realm of equally important political, cultural and social issues. Mill's established modes of thinking rival all philosophers since Aristotle, though he frequently refers to the ancient philosophers and credits their accomplishments. The philosophies of John Stuart Mill carry essence of a great man of resolve. He thought it necessary to discuss all opinions by examining all angles of the issue. In addition to his compassionate utilitarian philosophy, his way of thinking always weighed the good versus the bad. And his primary goal was to reach that which contributed to the greatest amount of good and happiness.
What would bring about the most happiness?JOHN STUART MILL
Perhaps some of the most revealing aspects of Mill's life are contained in his autobiography (1873) where he writes about everything that he remembers reading. Mill provides insightful accounts of his life which was largely influenced by his father who greatly wanted him to carry the proverbial Mill torch of utilitarianism into the future. Expressive about the nature of his father's overbearing relationship in his autobiography, Mill also acknowledged the effectiveness of his father's teachings and his gratefulness towards him for shaping his education. He claims that his father was constantly enforcing "no losing time principle". 10 Mill began to learn the Greek language at such an early age that he doesn't recall when he began to learn it, though his father tell him that he started at the age of three. In the autobiography of John Stuart Mill, his writing recalls his memory of taking the role of the student and teacher. Brotherly was Mill, he led these dutiful roles of teaching to his siblings, which reflects his character and foreshadows the innovative role model that he would later become.
Baylor likes John Stuart Mill. One more remarkable facet of his autobiography is where he describes his twelfth year of his education as moving from "the aids of the appliances of thought" to "the thoughts themselves."11 It is Mills thoughts that make him one of the most substantial minds in history.
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John Stuart Mill was ahead of his time. Some might argue that he is ahead of the current time. A man who clamored against evil, Mill dove into the most unpopular issues in a rational manner, making his thoughts clear to many. An accomplished intellectual, Mill challenged the dogmatic views of his time. Most notably, from today's perspective, John Stuart Mill provided a foundation of thought setting the stage to make the world safe for things like science, free thought and liberty of expression. All one needs to do to see John Stuart Mill, the role model, is examine the era and se the brilliance of a man who spent his entire life striving to make the world a better place--for everyone.
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The future shall set you free.
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