On Liberty

201 pages · 2h 58m reading time

A classic 1859 essay by John Stuart Mill arguing for the importance of individual liberty against undue social and governmental control. Mill articulates the "harm principle"—that power may be rightfully exercised over an individual only to prevent harm to others—and examines the limits of authority, freedom of expression, and individuality. The work is a foundational text in liberal political philosophy and continues to shape debates about personal autonomy and free speech.