ABSTRACT
Since the death of John Stuart Mill in 1873, On Liberty has come to beregarded as one of the most important works in Western thought. Mill’s subtle and persuasive argument for the social value of individuality makes On Liberty the voice of a crucial period in modern political thought. Mill’s enduring essay stands at the crossroads of two eras. Mill’s enduring essay stands at the crossroads of two eras. Behind him is old classical liberalism, struggling to draw a line between private life and the authorities. It is interesting to note that these challenges to On Liberty often draw on theories that did not exist during Mill’s lifetime in order to defend his liberal doctrine. Different political and philosophical camps have claimed Mill’s theories for their own ends, using them in defense of a variety of political positions. The work’s influence extends beyond philosophical circles to a wider audience of statesmen and policy makers.
