June 30– From “On Liberty” by John Steward Mill (1859)

 A different Mill (and a solid music video)

June 30– From “On Liberty” by John Steward Mill (1859)

Summary: Tyranny of the majority bad.

Commentary: I'm so tired today (red eye flight flying against the time change), which is a shame, since I think this is a really good piece, but it's also a bit of a thinker. I'm just going to drop the pull quote and make myself a note to come back to this one.

People are accustomed to believe, and have been encouraged in the belief by some who aspire to the character of philosophers, that their feelings, on subjects of this nature, are better than reasons, and render reasons unnecessary. The practical principle which guides them to their opinions on the regulation of human conduct, is the feeling in each person’s mind that everybody should be required to act as he, and those with whom he sympathizes, would like them to act.

(4 days alter) OK, let's add a couple more now: 

 Those who admit any limit to what a government may do, except in the case of such governments as they think ought not to exist, stand out as brilliant exceptions among the political thinkers of the Continent. A similar tone of sentiment might by this time have been prevalent in our own country, if the circumstances which for a time encouraged it, had continued unaltered.

[...]

 They have occupied themselves rather in inquiring what things society ought to like or dislike, than in questioning whether its likings or dislikings should be a law to individuals. 

This aligns nicely with today's reading (The Declaration of Independence).  The role of government is to secure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for its citizens, but how do you make sure you're maximizing the opportunity for all citizens to be happy vs the happiness of a single group that would be happier if another were restricted?