ABSTRACT
We must not interpret 'self-protection' too strictly, however. Mill admits that it might be right to compel people to perform actions the neglect of which would be harmful.12 It is a fair extension of the principle to allow compulsion where it can yield a positive advantage to others. The point of the 'self-protection' principle is that it distinguishes two spheres of action; one, where the individual's conduct is likely to affect the interests of others, when interference is legitimate; the other, where conduct is wholly 'self-regarding' and affects others for neither good nor ill, when interference would be illegitimate.
