On Liberty By: John Stuart Mill: On Liberty is a philosophical work in the English language by 19th century philosopher John Stuart Mill, first published in 1859.

On Liberty is a philosophical work by the English philosopher John Stuart Mill, originally intended as a short essay. The work, published in 1859, applies Mill's ethical system of utilitarianism to society and the state.Mill attempts to establish standards for the relationship between authority and liberty. He emphasizes the importance of individuality, which he conceived as a prerequisite to the higher pleasures-the summum bonum of utilitarianism. Furthermore, Mill criticizes the errors of...