~ 1859 ~
On Liberty is an essay by English philosopher John Stuart Mill. Published in 1859, it applies Mill's ethical system of utilitarianism to society and state. Mill suggests standards for the relationship between authority and liberty, emphasizing the importance of individuality, which he considers prerequisite to the higher pleasures of utilitarianism. He asserts that democratic ideals may result in tyranny of the majority. Among the standards proposed are his three basic liberties of individuals, his three legitimate objections to government intervention, and his two maxims regarding the relationship of the individual to society. On Liberty remains the basis of much political thought to this day.