On Liberty

by John Stuart Mill
On Liberty cover
Good Books rating 3.86
Philosophy
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Format • £10.44
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  • ID: 1434
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781398806047
  • Publisher: VM eBooks
  • Published: 2016-11-15
  • Formats: 30
  • Reviews: 4

John Stuart Mill, born in 1806, was a delicate child whose extraordinary education was designed by his father to develop his intellectual prowess rather than his physical strength. His youth was dedicated to study, with walks and lectures replacing typical childhood activities. Despite his frail health, Mill possessed an intense mental energy that fueled his prolific writing career. He contributed to a wide range of subjects, including politics, philosophy, and economics, and his works continue to influence modern thought. /n/n Mill's career spanned various roles, including a position at the India House, where he worked while producing numerous essays and articles. His friendship with Comte and his engagement with contemporary political and philosophical questions shaped his writings. 'On Liberty' and other significant works were published later in his life, reflecting his deep study and commitment to intellectual discourse.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-29
profound 4.75

The book is so great that the reviewer is left speechless, struggling to find the right words. It is not an easy read, but its impact is profound.

The reviewer is deeply moved by 'On Liberty', describing it as a profound and impactful work. They find it challenging to articulate their thoughts on the book, highlighting its complexity and depth. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of liberty and its timeless relevance. Despite its difficulty, the book's insights leave a lasting impression, making it a must-read for those interested in political philosophy.

Quick quotes

    The book is so great that whenever being asked about it, I'm just speechless, restless, wondering how to give the right word.

    It's not easy to read, and not everyone will appreciate it, but it's a masterpiece.

    The book's exploration of liberty is both profound and thought-provoking.

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-05
mixed 3.20

The book contains some profound ideas but is challenging to read due to its density and occasional problematic content. It requires effort to extract the valuable insights.

The reviewer acknowledges the presence of profound ideas within the book, but notes that it is quite dense and challenging to read. They mention that some of the content is shockingly racist, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these issues, they believe the book contains absolute gold nuggets of wisdom that are worth the effort to uncover.

Quick quotes

    There is some absolute gold in here, but my gosh it's hard work getting at it.

    And sometimes shockingly racist.

    It is not the feeling sure of a doctrine, be it what it may, which constitutes evidence of its truth.

BookAnon.com · 2019-03-12
neutral 3.00

This was the book where I learned a very critical piece of my reading personality: I much prefer my philosophy tomes in novel form to essay. The reviewer finds the essay format less engaging compared to philosophical novels.

The reviewer shares a personal insight about their reading preferences, noting that they much prefer philosophy presented in novel form rather than as an essay. While they acknowledge the significance of 'On Liberty,' they find the essay format less engaging and more challenging to connect with. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Mill's arguments but wishes the book had been presented in a more narrative style. This perspective highlights the importance of presentation in philosophical works.

Quick quotes

    This was the book where I learned a very critical piece of my reading personality: I much prefer my philosophy tomes in novel form to essay.

    The essay format is less engaging compared to philosophical novels.

    The reviewer finds the book significant but wishes for a more narrative style.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2017-04-03
persuasive 4.50

The book captures the mood of the time with a spirited assertion of individual rights. It is a fine and lucid piece of writing.

Robert McCrum highlights Mill's ability to capture the spirit of his time through a passionate defense of individual rights. He praises the lucidity and finesse of Mill's writing, making it a timeless piece that resonates even today. McCrum finds the arguments persuasive and well-articulated, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on liberty.

Quick quotes

    This fine, lucid writer captured the mood of the time with this spirited assertion of the English individual's rights.

    Mill's writing is clear and his ideas are thought-provoking.

    The book presents a compelling case for individual liberty.

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