Description:John Stuart Mill regarded himself as a reformer, and believed that people might come to realize how best to reform, remake, and improve themselves. Indeed, reform-mindedness is a major theme in this book. Among the many liberal causes associated with Mill are the defense of the abolition of slavery, repeal of the Corn Laws, extension of the franchise and property rights to women, reform of Irish property arrangements, and the question of birth control. Mill’s position on property rights and socialism is worthy of particular emphasis. What united all of these causes and Mill’s proposed answers was a laser-like focus on the expansion of human agency, and flourishing through greater opportunities for choice.
In the summer of 1830 when he was 24, Mill met Harriet Taylor and fell headlong in love with her. The repercussions of his friendship with and eventual marriage to Harriet were profound. Harriet’s influence on his work and his partnership with her were equally important.