John Stuart Mill
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John Stuart Mill was a renowned English philosopher, political economist, and advocate for individual liberty. Born on May 20, 1806, in Pentonville, Middlesex, England, he was educated under the strict supervision of his father, James Mill, a prominent figure in the Philosophic Radicals. Mill's education included studying Greek at age three and Latin at eight, followed by extensive studies in political economy, logic, and calculus. He worked for the East India Company from 1826 to 1857, rising to the position of Chief Examiner of Correspondence. Mill's philosophical contributions spanned logic, epistemology, economics, and social and political philosophy. Mill is best known for his influential works, including On Liberty, Utilitarianism, and The Subjection of Women. In On Liberty, he argued for the protection of individual freedoms, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought and action. Mill's utilitarian philosophy, influenced by Jeremy Bentham, emphasized actions that promote happiness. He was a Member of Parliament from 1865 to 1868, advocating for women's suffrage and labor rights. Mill's legacy continues to shape modern democracy and liberal thought, with his works remaining widely studied today.
