John Stuart Mill

Date of Birth: May 20, 1806

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: May 8, 1873

Biography

John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant, one of the most influential thinkers in the history of liberalism. He was born into a family of intellectuals and was educated by his father, James Mill, a historian and philosopher. John Stuart Mill’s work and thought have left an indelible mark on philosophy, particularly in the areas of ethics, political philosophy, and logic. Mill’s most famous works include “On Liberty,” “Utilitarianism,” and “The Subjection of Women.” In these writings, he argued for the importance of individual freedom, the principle of utility (the greatest happiness principle), and gender equality, respectively. His advocacy for liberty and human rights has made him a central figure in the development of modern liberal thought.

5 Interesting Facts about John Stuart Mill

1. Mill learned Greek by the age of three and Latin by the age of eight.

2. He experienced a mental crisis in his early twenties, leading him to question the value of his rigorous upbringing and the philosophy of utilitarianism.

3. Mill was an early advocate for women’s rights and wrote “The Subjection of Women” in 1869, arguing for gender equality.

4. He served as a Member of Parliament for the City of Westminster from 1865 to 1868, during which he advocated for various social reforms.

5. Mill’s book “On Liberty” is considered one of the foundational texts of liberal political philosophy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Stuart Mill

1. “The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way.”

2. “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.”

3. “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.”

4. “The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance to human advancement.”

5. “A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Stuart Mill did not accumulate significant wealth during his lifetime; his net worth is not well-documented. He primarily focused on his intellectual pursuits and public service rather than personal financial gain.

Children

John Stuart Mill did not have any children. He married Harriet Taylor in 1851, who had three children from her previous marriage, but they did not have any children together.