Liberty of Conscience and Individuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Liberty of Conscience and Individuality - Essay Example Individuality means one separate object or one only and it is a quality of state as being an individual. Besides, it also includes the status of independence. The main focus of this paper in presenting the concept will be Chapter 3 of On Liberty by John Stuart Mill. In this chapter, he describes about importance of individuality and freedom of action. Mill has composed this chapter by indicating the limitations of personal freedom. He points out his belief in self government excluding individuals who are interfering in others liberty. He also dwells on the significance of a person’s wishes and incitements such as incitement produces energy, which will be the fuel for change and actions, including both good and bad. Mill states that the religious and other forces stifle the individuality of persons and he does not believe in the restrictive view, which is injurious to the inner good of humans. He also emphasizes on the significance of original thought and naturalness. Mill beli eves that even if the people do not hold on freedom and naturalness, they will automatically mingle with that environment. It is because of the government, which become more effective only if there is a society, allows people to innovate and spread new ideas and to confront the majority’s opinion. ... It meant to be a society, who allows people to select their choice in life. The quote elaborates on different social activities of religious worship, family organisation of changing and testing all aspects in life which none can imagine. He actually means that every person should be allowed to live in his or her own way and it should be controlled only when they are interfering in other’s life. He also points out the reasons which support experiments of living. There is a bilateral meaning on the argument – the author tells that there do exist unsatisfactory factors in our society, and allow the growth of experiments of living taking place. Mill highlights other lifestyles. Mill illustrates that freedom within the society will lead to the formation of genius, and he believes that genius can live only in a free society. Besides, he thinks that religious freedom is one of the important aspects of liberty. Therefore, people who are taking offence against others are unaccep table and that some modifications should be made to the current understanding of liberty. Mill expresses his view that moral principles are important for a person’s freedom that he does not harm others. On the contrary, through the concept of making harm, Mill shows the rational point of view and the changes such action can bring about in the society. Individuality is one of the main topics of discussion in Mill’s On Liberty. It may differ from person to person. Mill, quoting the words of Wilhelm von Humboldt, who was a German thinker and a politician, argues that each person’s motive is the â€Å"highest and most harmonious development of his powers to a complete and consistent whole†