"That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others."
—
J.S. Mill - On Liberty (via epiphanyrambler)
… This is one of those quotes from philosophies and schools of thought that seem so great and good at first, but I feel like an insane socialist utopia could be derived from this statement. I’m just not crazy enough to sit and think of the ways this could be a bad stance to have,… yet.
(via videlsd)
Are you aware that Mill was himself a eminent figure of early liberalism? The harm principle which is referred to here suggests that the state may only interfere in such cases as murder, theft or rape and rejects all paternalistic measures that socialist governments have enacted.
