Quotations from John Stuart Mill, 1806-1873
- The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number is self-protection.
On Liberty [1859], introduction- If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 2- There is no such thing as absolute certainty, but there is assurance sufficient for the purposes of human life.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 2- He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 2- We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 2- The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 3- All good things which exist are the fruits of originality.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 3- Whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name it may be called.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 3- Everyone who receives the protection of society owes a return for the benefit.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 4- The individual is not accountable to society for his actions, insofar as these concern the interests of no person but himself.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 5- The worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.
On Liberty [1859], ch. 5- Instead of the function of governing, for which it is radically unfit, the proper office of a representative assembly is to watch and control the government.
Dissertations and Discussions [1859]- It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.
Utilitarianism [1863], ch. 2- The social state is at once so natural, so necessary, and so habitual to man, that...he never conceives himself otherwise than as a member of a body.
Utilitarianism [1863], ch. 3- It is only a man here and there who has any tolerable knowledge of the character even of the women of his own family.
The Subjection of Women [1869], ch. 1- Ask yourself whether you are happy, and you cease to be so.
Autobiography [1873], ch. 5- Human existence is girt round with mystery; the narrow region of our experiences is a small island in the midst of a boundless sea.
Utility of Religion [1874]
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