Primary Source Analysis - Essay Example

Primary Source Analysis John Stuart’s thought on Liberty was written in 1859. Mills a philosopher and reformer, utilises writing to communicate to the society on liberty. This piece by Mills is an address to the society that outlines individual freedom, as well as social freedom. This document although it presents and individuals thought on societal issues it is a public document. The document aims at educating individuals on their rights and limits of their rights. However, Mills approach to educating people on their individual rights targets the well-being of the society and the individual. According to Mill, a free society is one that respects individual liberties. In the document, Mill explains individual freedom and its importance. He also addresses the issue of authority and its relation to individual freedom. Mill points out that authority although essential in maintaining order in the society it is his opinion that authority can be a barrier to individual freedom. Mills opinion on freedom is agreeable with the fact that, in order to have a progressive society we need to focus on promoting individual freedom with the view of promoting social liberty. Mills concepts of liberty were written in the mid to the late 19th century. When we consider this period society had the power to determine the way people lived or worked. Stuart observed the society and noted that power in the form of legal penalties was a hinder to the encouragement of individuality. On the other hand, legal penalties were enforced to control the dealings in the society. Mills text on liberty targeted to educate the society on the importance of personal liberty and social liberty. It is in Mills opinion that individuals can interfere with the liberty of action during acts of self-protection. Mill explained that power, when utilised against the will of an individual, is acceptable when preventing the individual from inflicting harm on others (Mill, 1859). Mill’s encourages the concept of persuasion or reasoning in trying to help an individual from engaging in actions that are unacceptable rather than use force. Mill explains that as long as an individual’s action does not harm others that the individual exercises the right to his independence. If the society restrains him for his own good, then it is necessary to consider the approach of discussion, and persuasion. Human independence in Mill’s opinion entails the freedom of thought, feelings, having the freedom to hold an opinion on given subjects. The ability to express whether in writing or speech may affect others but still represents the freedom of thought. Mill further explains that, being able to decide on ones likes and pursuits regardless of what other people in the society think is acceptable as long as the pursuits and likes do not harm people in the society. Individual freedom does allow the cooperation of individuals in achieving their interests as long their actions or cooperation does not harm others in the society. Encouraging these, liberties in the society in Mill’s opinion does render the society free (Mill, 1859). Mill criticises the behaviour of outlining how people should live basing on what society thinks right. He asserts that it is necessary for people to pursue their own interests in their own way. The society may present individual thinkers who air their opinions on how issues should be handled. Mill explains that this is a representation of unjustifiably power that the society has over an individual. Forced opinion or the use of legislation in the prevention of individual growth is unacceptable. The author in his article openly criticises the rise of the cases of people utilising power to incline their rule of conduct on people in the society. The concept of having individual thinkers who present opinions they think is best for the society is unacceptable (Mill, 1859). Mill while growing up was encouraged to be a philosopher and reformer. From his texts, we see his open approach to the issues he presents. He considers the action whether considered right or wrong he focuses on the consequences of the action. For instance, he encourages that the society need to encourage individual liberty, but at the same time, he asserts that the individual liberty needs to be limited. The limitation should e exercised in order to prevent their opinions from molesting others. According to Mill, his emphasis on the issue of individual liberty should in no way harm other people. Form the text, it is vital to note that Mill encourages the society to be sensitive for individual wants in trying to achieving human happiness. In achieving human happiness, Mill reckons that the society achieves individual as well as social progress (Mill, 1859). Appreciation of diversity is valuable in the promotion of individuality in the society. Individuality as noted in the text is shaped by such factors as education, culture, instructions. However, it is essential to encourage individualism to encourage the societal progress. Discouraging the society from relying on people to determine how we think is a point Mill presents indirectly. It is vital to discourage leadership forms where people who use power to decide on what is acceptable for others in the society. Mill’s document presents an issue prevalent in the society in the 19th century. From the text, we can tell that the society had a control over individual matters. Mill points out factors such as legislation and coercion of opinion as barriers of individuality on the 19th century. Mills as a reformer uses the text to enlighten the society on the importance of individuality. Stuart also defines the extent to which the society needs to be involved with individual matters. According to Stuart, individuality should only be concerned with the issues of life that interest the individual. On the other hand, the society needs to concern itself with issues that deal with dealings of the society. It is necessary for individuals to note that they depend on the society for their protection, therefore; they owe the society. According to Mills, appreciating the society by aligning their individual interest to benefit the society is acceptable. Mill concludes by emphasising that helping one another is essential in distinguishing better from worse. Mill asserts that, human beings need to encourage one another in the event of making decisions that portray aspects of exercising individual liberty. Mill’s criticism of the idea of controlling an individual’s life issues that do not harm the society is presented clearly in the text (Stuart, 1859). Let us conclude by stating that it is agreeable that individuality is a positive aspect and needs to be encouraged to promote social progress in the society. Individual freedom is a means of encouraging social progress. For instance, in a classroom set up encouraging students to give their opinion on a given subject provides the class with a diverse aspect on the matter. A diverse aspect on a given matter encourages the appreciation of the unique ways in which every student approaches a given issue. This appreciation indicates social progress. Cooperation of students in trying to solve an issue illustrates Mill’s idea on the importance of healing each other. Exercising of power to limit individuality is only appropriate when done to prevent an individual’s interest, action or thoughts from harming other members of the society. It is necessary to note that the society needs to restrain from involving themselves with individual issues as long as they do not affect the dealings in the society. On the other hand, individuals need to be cautious of how their thoughts, opinions and cooperation’s affect their society. Reference Mill, J. S. (1859). On liberty. Industrialism and Imperialism, 124, 519-523. Read More