In the starry sky of human thought, there are always some works whose brilliance transcends time and space, continuously illuminating our path forward. John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty," published in 1859, is undoubtedly one such immortal classic. In today's increasingly complex social structure, where the relationship between the individual and the collective is becoming more subtle, revisiting Mill's profound insights on freedom is particularly important and urgent. This is not just a look back at history, but a serious reflection on the forms of our current and future society.
The Boundaries of Freedom: The Harm Principle
Mill begins "On Liberty" by clarifying that what he intends to explore is not the metaphysical "freedom of will," but "civil liberty" or "social freedom," which refers to the nature and limits of the power that society can legitimately exert over the actions of individuals. To delineate this clear boundary, Mill proposes a concise yet profound principle—the Harm Principle.
He writes: "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. In other words, the only reason for which one person can be legitimately coerced by society against his will is to prevent harm to others."
This passage is the cornerstone of "On Liberty." It means that as long as a person's actions do not harm others, society or the government has no right to interfere. Regardless of how foolish, depraved, or "immoral" we may think his actions are, as long as the consequences are limited to himself, he possesses complete freedom of action. Mill emphasizes that for the individual himself, regarding his own body and mind, he is the highest sovereign. This delineates a sacred and inviolable realm of personal freedom, constituting a powerful resistance against any form of despotism, whether from monarchs, aristocrats, or the "majority."
Freedom of Thought and Speech: The Crucible of Truth
Mill's defense of freedom of thought and speech is the most dazzling part of his liberal theory. He believes that freedom of thought and speech is absolute and should not be subject to any restrictions. From a utilitarian perspective, he eloquently argues why suppressing any opinion is a "unique evil."
He presents four core arguments:
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Suppressed opinions may be correct. By suppressing them, we lose the opportunity to correct errors with the truth. Humanity is not infallible; history is filled with "truths" we once believed without doubt, which are now regarded as absurd.
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Suppressed opinions may be wrong. Even so, their clash with the truth can make the truth clearer and more persuasive. Uncontested truths often become dead dogmas, where people merely echo others without understanding the reasons behind them.
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Both prevailing opinions and suppressed opinions may contain parts of the truth. This is particularly common in complex social, political, and moral issues. Only through the free exchange of differing opinions can we piece together a more complete picture of the truth.
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Even if the prevailing opinion is the entire truth, if debate is not allowed, it can become a prejudice. People will forget the rational basis for it, thereby losing its vitality and ability to shape human hearts.
Mill's arguments shape the marketplace of free speech into a crucible for discovering, testing, and solidifying truth. Here, free discussion is not only an individual right but also a fundamental guarantee of social progress and human well-being.
The Free Development of Individuality: A Component of Happiness
In addition to thought and speech, Mill equally cherishes the "free development of individuality." He believes that the diversity of individuality is an important source of human happiness and social vitality. In a society overshadowed by the powerful pressures of tradition, customs, and public opinion, people can easily lose their uniqueness and become indistinguishable members of the "crowd."
Mill warns that this "tyranny of the majority" is more terrifying than political despotism, as it can penetrate into every corner of daily life, binding people's minds. He encourages individuals to bravely try different ways of life, to develop their unique interests and talents, rather than blindly imitating others. In his view, a society composed of vibrant, individualistic individuals is far healthier and more creative than one where everyone is uniform. Genius can only breathe and grow in an atmosphere of freedom.
Vigilance Against Government Intervention
Based on his firm belief in individual freedom, Mill remains highly vigilant against the expansion of government power. He presents three utilitarian reasons against government intervention:
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Individual management is more efficient than government management.
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Even if individuals do not perform as well as the government, allowing individuals to manage helps in their mental growth and skill development, which is itself a valuable social asset.
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Unnecessarily increasing government power can lead to significant potential dangers. An all-encompassing government, even if well-intentioned, can easily stifle creativity and autonomy in society, ultimately leading to stagnation.
Conclusion: The Contemporary Echo of Mill's Thought
It has been over a century and a half since "On Liberty" was published, yet its intellectual brilliance has not diminished in the slightest with the passage of time. In today's era of globalization, networking, and increasingly diverse social issues, we face new challenges: Does online violence constitute a new "tyranny of the majority"? How can we ensure individual privacy and freedom while pursuing social security and stability? What are the boundaries between public interest and individual rights?
Revisiting Mill does not mean we should treat every word as an unassailable doctrine. The era he lived in differs from ours, and his theories have aspects that warrant discussion. However, the core principles he established—respect for individual value, appreciation for the diversity of thought, and vigilance against the abuse of power—provide us with indispensable intellectual resources for contemplating these contemporary dilemmas.
Seeking an eternal balance between the individual and society is a central issue of human civilization. John Mill's "On Liberty" is a crucial weight on this balance, reminding us that a truly strong and prosperous society must be one that respects and protects the freedom of every individual.