John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher and political economist, a central figure in nineteenth-century liberal thought. Educated intensively by his father from early childhood, he became a leading exponent of utilitarianism, the ethical view that actions are judged by the happiness they produce. His essay "On Liberty" argued for freedom of thought and expression and set out the "harm principle," that power may be exercised over an individual against their will only to prevent harm to others. He also wrote on logic, political economy, and the subjection of women, advocating female suffrage. Mill worked for the East India Company for over three decades and served as a Member of Parliament for Westminster.