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On Liberty

From the introductory chapter by John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill published On Liberty in 1859, at a time when European democracies were expanding and the question of majority rule versus individual freedom had become urgent. This introductory chapter sets out the essay's central question: where should society draw the line between collective authority and personal independence? Mill argues that the only legitimate reason to restrict an individual's liberty is to prevent harm to others—a position now called the harm principle. The chapter is worth reading because it frames a debate still alive in every democracy: how much may the majority impose its will on dissenters, and when does social pressure become tyranny? This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised.

Band

Silver · First-year university levelTypical starting range: adult

Length

long · about 1559 words in 5 sections · 1 picture

Source

On Liberty, John Stuart Mill

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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