On Liberty

On Liberty by John Stuart Mill is a landmark work of political philosophy defending individual freedom and examining the proper limits of social and governmental authority. Mill argues that individuals should be free to think, speak, and live according to their own choices, provided they do not harm others. He strongly defends freedom of expression, emphasizing that even unpopular or mistaken opinions should be allowed because open debate is essential to the discovery of truth and the development of society. Mill also warns against the “tyranny of the majority,” in which social pressure can restrict individuality as effectively as government repression. Combining political philosophy, ethics, and social criticism, On Liberty remains one of the most influential defenses of individual rights and freedom of thought.