Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

John Stuart Mill Philosopher

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: United Kingdom
  • Born: May 20, 1806
  • Died: May 8, 1873

John Stuart Mill, was a British philosopher, political economist and civil servant. He was an influential contributor to social theory, political theory and political economy. He has been called "the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century". Mill's conception of liberty justified the freedom of the individual in opposition to unlimited state control.

Mill expresses his view on freedom by illustrating how an individual's amelioration of personal quality and self-improvement is the sole source of true freedom. That only when an individual is able to attain such a beneficial standard of one's self, whilst in the absence of rendering external onerosity upon others, in their own journey to procure a higher calibre of self-worth, that true freedom resides. Mill's attitude toward freedom and individual accomplishment through self-improvement has inspired many. By establishing an appreciable level of worthiness concerned with one's ability to fulfill personal standards of notability and merit, Mill was able to provide many with a principal example of how they should achieve such particular values.

It is questionable if all the mechanical inventions yet made have lightened the day's toil of any human being. technology

Unquestionably, it is possible to do without happiness it is done involuntarily by nineteen-twentieths of mankind. happiness

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives. politics

The individual is not accountable to society for his actions in so far as these concern the interests of no person but himself. society

Pleasure and freedom from pain, are the only things desirable as ends. freedom

The most cogent reason for restricting the interference of government is the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power. government & power

There are many truths of which the full meaning cannot be realized until personal experience has brought it home. experience & home

I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them. happiness

The general tendency of things throughout the world is to render mediocrity the ascendant power among mankind. power

Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth. truth

Life has a certain flavor for those who have fought and risked all that the sheltered and protected can never experience. experience

Thanksgiving November 28, 2024

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest. 32 other sayings from William Blake

32 other sayings from William Blake

Drink and be thankful to the host! What seems insignificant when you have it, is important when you need it. 6 thoughts from Franz Grillparzer

6 thoughts from Franz Grillparzer

For what I have received may the Lord make me truly thankful. And more truly for what I have not received. 2 other wisdom & wit from Storm Jameson

2 other wisdom & wit from Storm Jameson

To give thanks in solitude is enough. Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go. Your prayer knows much more about it than you do. 73 thoughts from Victor Hugo

73 thoughts from Victor Hugo