Born on May 20, 1806, in Pentonville, England, John Stuart Mill was a philosopher, political economist, and civil servant. His father, James Mill, a historian and economist, provided him with an extensive education, fostering his early intellectual development. By his teenage years, Mill was already engaging deeply with classical literature, philosophy, and political economy.Throughout his career, Mill made significant contributions to social theory, political theory, and economics. He is best known for his works On Liberty and Utilitarianism, where he explored individual freedom and the principle of utility. As a proponent of utilitarianism, Mill expanded upon the ideas of his predecessor, Jeremy Bentham, emphasizing the greatest happiness principle.In addition to his philosophical pursuits, Mill was an active political figure. He served as a Member of Parliament for the City of Westminster from 1865 to 1868, advocating for social reforms such as women's suffrage and proportional representation. Mill's legacy endures as a foundational thinker in liberalism, influencing contemporary discussions on ethics, liberty, and governance.
