John
Stuart Mill was the greatest 19th century British philosopher, influencing the
economic, ethical, philosophic, political, religious and social discourse of his
time. Through his writings he advocated and greatly influenced social and political
reforms. His book, On Liberty, is one of the foundations of classical liberalism,
and one of the most important explorations of the concept of "liberty."
The book explores the rights of the individual and the moral limits of power that
society should have over each person. Mill was a strong advocate of his own brand
of Utilitarianism, through which he proposed the "greatest happiness principle"
-- the most ethically moral action is the one that creates the greatest happiness
for the greatest number of people. John Stuart Mill was also an early advocate
of feminism, arguing for equal rights for all at a time when women had very few
rights. His visionary ideas for a better world greatly influenced and inspired
many others who have continued the struggle for a more peaceful, just and sustainable
world.
