On Liberty

Considered one of the greatest proponents of the utilitarian philosophy – “the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people” – John Stuart Mill published his philosophical tract On Liberty in 1859 (just 11 years after Karl Marx published his Communist Manifesto), and it became an instantly influential and widely read volume. While applying utilitarianism in practice to real life, Mill espouses the ideals of individuality and nonconformity, urging his readers to engage and value their individualism as a means of pursuing happiness – happiness which should be obtained freely, as long as one is not harming another.