On Liberty: John Stuart Mill (Penguin Great Ideas)

I was looking for a hardback version of this book for a long time and now I have found it. For such a reasonable price, I am very pleased. Also it is NOT a scan of pages such as for Forgotten Books. Buy this version, you won't regret it.

Much of what Mill writes is very inspiring. His concern for freedoms should issue a wake-up call to governments the world over. Mill offers some simple solutions to the world's problems by his anti authoritarian ideas. If practised, being ready to listen to others, to accept criticism and to be able to explain rationally what one thinks and believes would make social relations that much more easy going and without conflict.Social relations and sanctions for poor behaviour are all explained and, if implememnted could make criminal law so much simpler

John Stuart Mill was the progenitor of modern liberalism and On Liberty was arguably Mill's magnum opus. The book, published in 1859, espouses the principles of individualism and utilitarianism. Highly recommended for anyone interested in political philosophy, politics or history.

I suppose there are many books that are regarded as essentail reading. However, if you are a fair, liberal minded person who cares about how to cooperate and work with your fellow man then this really is essential reading. All though written in an age when words were used by the bucket full this work is still quite clear, concise and fairly succinct. Well done to Cosimo Classics, therefore, for ensuring that this work is still in print 151yrs after it was first published.

Given the recent attacks of charlie hebdo I felt like i needed some schooling in the importance of free speech and free expression. Utterly brilliant essay that illustrates the importance of not silencing any opinion no matter how radical or 'offensive'. It also highlights the way in which even when censorship of some horrible words and opinions sounds like human decency and social responsibility, this power that no-one has the right to wield could bestow some one not so decent and it can turn ugly very quickly.

Now, when liberty is so misunderstood and under threat from the forces of darkness, this is essential reading to appreciate our best exponent of the meaning of liberty and why it matters.The downside is the early victorian style of long sentences, paragraphs and flowery language.

Some nice ideas but would be easier to swallow if it was not coming from the most genocidal govt maniacs on earth who have been pro actively starting almost every single war in history since year dot.

Beautifully produced paperback in the best tradition of Penguin.