We have touched on this work previously and that post should be consulted with for a better understanding of the post below. I would like, however, to take this moment to state how troubling this is for me. You see, to me, it’s always caused a bit of angst that a person considered a moral philosopher should not only have openly committed adultery but that he did so very forcefully. It is at best a contradiction of terms.
Interestingly, given this contradiction, he is often cited as one of the most influential thinkers of classical liberalism. Indeed, he has been called the most influential English speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century”. His discussion of liberty is still cited as the leading justification of individualism over unlimited state and social control.
One further interesting factor in considering this man’s life is that he was the first member of Parliament to call for women’s suffrage.
The Autobiography of John S. Mill, Chapter VI may be read starting here:
http://www.bartleby.com/25/1/6.html
Alternatively, it may be listened to in an audiobook format at:
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 