On Liberty, Utilitarianism and Other Essays 2/e

A classic for all lovers of reason and liberty.

Good book arrived in good condition

A classic Text, which every student of philosophy/ hu.anities should read.

If reading Mill seems familiar, it's because much of what he mapped out, in thought, has since become the foundation for Western democratic theory. Composed across the mid-19th century, Mill determined much that our societies required to offer each soul a fair chance at contentment. Utilitarianism, in other words. It's not the easiest read. Far from tough but, like all philosophical narrative, all points are stated clearly so as to avoid room for misinterpretation; Mill's writing also reflects his times, so is a tad floral. Likewise, he resists emotion, and so, as a left-leaning soul, I occasionally mistook him for being heartless (and, for example, when it comes to the relationship between work and levels of pay, and competition, earnestly right-wing). Yet, that was Mill's strength: to state and quietly reiterate the difference between right and wrong, and emotion - sensationalism. This prompted me to question my own belief system - and, in turn, Mill is, I would argue from the perspective of one who knows little about him from a scholarly stance, as important in our mass media driven age as ever. While the internet and digital communication might have brought us closer together - encouraging the sharing of mass thought and deed -- it has also atomised much of what was left of community. Moreover, with politics feeding off the desires of, and preaching to the individual as a means of both rallying support and thus, ultimately, separating us in a manner diametrically opposite to the group survival of religion, we are now (more than ever) guilty of all living in our own individual worlds. And given the rhetoric of mass media is also the language of our online existence, complete with its emotional manipulation through sensation, by reading Mill it is possible to see how we are nowhere near the civilised beings we presume to be. In fact, coupled with the observations of Orwell, in terms of politics' abuse and manipulation of language ( Politics and the English Language (Penguin Modern Classics) - and the illuminating, entirely sober observations of Tzvetan Todorov's The Inner Enemies of Democracy -- a picture emerges of our modern world as one that is driven dangerously by emotion, without genuine concern for what is, by honest definition, truly right or wrong.

This reading was long overdue and the edition is very good. Warmely recommended

All good

On Liberty, Utilitarianism and Other Essays... A worthy read!

Very good book, love Mill

If you're into democracy, how to protect it, grow it and keep it alive, this book is a must. Mill lays out what liberty really means, not the weird concoction the media and the politicians sell us.

John Stuart Mill is the most influential English language philosopher, who wrote many works including on liberty, a system of logic, the subjection of women, etc. This books contains on liberty, utilitarianism, considerations on representative government, and the subjection of women these four essays. I personally just finished reading On Liberty, so this review will mainly about his On Liberty. Mill originally finished this piece in 1857, and he wanted to add some further amendments afterwards. However, after his wife’s death, he decided to publish this piece without any changes. As it is mentioned in the book, liberty is not at all a new topic for humanity even at his time. As the society keeps progressing, the questions that are associated with the topic only grow more important than ever before. Mill specifically identifies a new problem at his time. He finds out that the question of liberty is no longer between subjects, like between rulers and those being ruled, but between social mainstream and personal opinion. I think this point is very true especially in current society. When assessing something, one must form his own opinion, and it is important to keep that opinion uncontaminated. Therefore, in his essay, Mill is trying to find and define bounds, bounds that limit the interference from social opinion towards individuals. And as he writes, the principle which Mill adduces is ‘that 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. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant’. Generally, as I read the essay, I find some of his arguments or statements are very true and sharp, the philosophy in his works are very applicable in modern world. Certainly, not everyone would agree with everything he says in the book, but to read philosophical books is just to help you think in your ways on the topic suggested by those books. If you are new to philosophical books, I would say it might be a little hard to read. At least it is hard to read for me. However, it is much better than some of Kant’s works which are not very readable for rookies. Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone that is interested in philosophy. It is just a good book, because it makes me think, and it makes me struggle to find the reasoning that satisfies myself.

John Stuart Mill is the Boss, i am grateful to be able to read his words. Book quality and Pages are in Mint Condition. Thank you.

A beautiful edition of the works, somewhat a poetical choice of cover, and easy to read text-sizing. I'm not huge on many books in this general series, but this one is a great exception from that rule.

Una introducción muy completa en torno a la obra del autor. Los cuatro ensayos que contiene, son un excelente trama de pensamientos que contribuyen en gran medida a la construcción de sí mismo. Un libro imperdible.