On Liberty

This book applies Mill’s ethical system of utilitarianism to society and the state. Attempting to establish standards for the relationship between authority and liberty it emphasizes the importance of individuality which Mill conceived as a prerequisite to the higher pleasures—the sum mum bonum of Utilitarianism. Among the standards established in this work are Mill’s three basic liberties of individuals his three legitimate objections to government intervention and his two maxims regarding the relationship of the individual to society. Further discussing the historical struggle between authority and liberty it describes the tyranny of government which in his view needs to be controlled by the liberty of the citizens. Finally emphasizing on the inherent value of individuality it explains a system in which a person can discern what aspects of life should be governed by the individual and which by society.