On Liberty, John Stuart Mill
On Liberty, John Stuart Mill
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On Liberty

Author: John Stuart Mill

Narrator: Luke Oldham

Unabridged: 5 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/01/2025


Synopsis

On Liberty by John Stuart Mill is a powerful and enduring philosophical essay that explores the nature and boundaries of individual freedom in society. Written in 1859 during a period of political and intellectual upheaval, Mill makes an impassioned case for the sanctity of personal liberty—arguing that individuals should be free to act, think, and express themselves as they choose, so long as they do not harm others.Mill’s central thesis, often referred to as the "harm principle," remains one of the cornerstones of liberal political thought: that the only justification for societal or governmental interference in a person’s life is to prevent harm to others. With remarkable clarity, he examines the relationship between authority and autonomy, tackling issues like free speech, individuality, moral policing, and the role of dissent in democratic society.Narrated with depth and thoughtfulness by Luke Oldham, this audiobook brings to life one of the most influential works in political philosophy—a timeless defense of freedom and a clarion call for the courage to think for oneself.

About John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a British political philosopher who wrote on such subjects as logic, economics, ethics, metaphysics, religion, and current affairs. His best-known works include On Liberty, Utilitarianism, The Subjection of Women, A System of Logic, Principles of Political Economy, and his autobiography. He was born in London, the eldest son of the Scottish philosopher, historian, and economist James Mill and educated by his father with the assistance of utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham. Mill's philosophy draws upon empiricism and utilitarianism while modifying these doctrines to incorporate a greater sense of humanity. A strong defender of freedom of thought and expression and an early supporter of the cause of women's rights, Mill remains a towering figure in the development of political liberalism.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jon on September 26, 2024

A foundational work addressing representative democracy that continues to shape ideology today. After the 2016 Presidential Election I would strongly suggest both parties hold 'JSM focus groups' to try to reconnect with the American people. This book is very hard to understand; but it is worth the e......more

Goodreads review by P.E. on August 21, 2021

In praise of many-sidedness This will be a short one! Reading it in 2021, I consider that this work could hardly be more to the point. Here are some important quotes: 'Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good......more