On Liberty

John Stuart Mill's passionate 1859 defense of individual freedom. Mill argues that society has no right to coerce individuals except to prevent harm to others, and that free expression of opinion —… Read more

John Stuart Mill's passionate 1859 defense of individual freedom. Mill argues that society has no right to coerce individuals except to prevent harm to others, and that free expression of opinion — even unpopular opinion — is essential to human progress. Written with his wife Harriet Taylor Mill, it remains the classic statement of liberal political philosophy. Show less