On Liberty-- Philosophied Out For Today

The practical principle which guides
them to their opinions on the regulation of
human conduct is the feeling in each person’s
mind that everybody should be required to
act as he...would like them to act. No one,
indeed, acknowledges to himself that his
standard of judgment is his own liking; but an
opinion on a point of conduct, not supported
by reasons, can only count as one person’s
preference

...

The likings and dislikings of society, or
of some powerful portion of it, are thus the
main thing which has practically determined
the rules laid down for general observance,
under the penalties of law or opinion. And in
general, those who have been in advance of
society in thought and feeling have left this
condition of things unassailed in
principle...They have occupied themselves
rather in inquiring what things society ought
to like or dislike rather than in questioning
whether its likings and dislikings should be
a law to individuals

...

The only freedom which deserves the

name is that of pursuing our own good in

our own way, so long as we do not attempt to

deprive others of theirs or impede their

efforts to obtain it. Each is the proper

guardian of his own health, whether bodily or

mental and spiritual. Mankind are greater

gainers by [allowing] each other to live as

seems good to themselves than by

compelling each to live as seems good to

the rest

...