John Stuart Mill
1806 - 1873
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant, known for his writings on liberty, utilitarianism, and social theory. His influential works, including "On Liberty" and "The Subjection of Women," championed individual freedom and gender equality.

Biography

John Stuart Mill, born on May 20, 1806, in London, England, was a prominent philosopher, political economist, and civil servant. His contributions to liberal thought and social theory have left a lasting impact on various fields, including ethics, politics, and economics. Mill passed away on May 8, 1873, in Avignon, France, leaving behind a rich legacy of writings that continue to influence contemporary thought.

Mill's early life was marked by rigorous education and a strong intellectual environment. He was the son of James Mill, a noted philosopher and historian, who began educating him at a young age. By the age of three, Mill was reading Greek, and by eight, he had mastered Latin. This intense upbringing fostered his intellectual development, but it also led to periods of mental distress and depression, which he later wrote about in his autobiography.

Mill’s literary career began in earnest with the publication of his first major work, "A System of Logic," in 1843. However, he is perhaps best known for "On Liberty" (1859), where he articulated the principles of individual freedom and the harm principle. Other notable works include "The Subjection of Women," which advocated for gender equality, and "Principles of Political Economy," which explored economic theory and policy. His writings on utilitarianism, influenced by Jeremy Bentham, emphasized the importance of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.

In his personal life, Mill was deeply affected by the death of his father and experienced a profound transformation after falling in love with Harriet Taylor, a fellow intellectual. Their partnership was both personal and philosophical, significantly shaping Mill’s views on social issues, particularly women's rights. Mill's dedication to social reform and individual liberty remains influential, making him a key figure in the development of modern liberalism and social philosophy.

F.A.Q.

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