[Book Sip] "For Justice, Limiting Harsh Criticism by the Majority Is More Important Than by the Minority"

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

It has been well over 160 years since "On Liberty" was published, yet John Stuart Mill's concerns are even clearer today. In an era overflowing with populism across both left and right wings, and harsh criticism directed at opinions different from one's own, Mill's argument for absolute freedom within the bounds of not harming others becomes all the more important. The book thoroughly examines these contents.

"On Liberty" is also famous for its somewhat difficult prose, aside from its clear arguments. The precise translation by Professor Emeritus Park Hong-gyu of Yeungnam University, the translator's introduction outlining the book's historical context and significance, subheadings to aid readers' understanding, and detailed translator's notes that offer a glimpse into the era all help facilitate the reader's comprehension.

The only actions of an individual that should be subject to social sanctions are those that concern others. Conversely, when only oneself is concerned, the independence of one's character is natural and absolute. Each person is sovereign over themselves, that is, over their own body and mind. (p. 42)

Even if all humanity except one person holds the same opinion and that one person holds an opposing view, humanity has no right to force that person into silence. This is the same as saying that if that one person were to seize power, they would have no right to silence all humanity. (p. 59)

If there were no opponents to all important truths, it would be necessary to deliberately imagine such opponents and provide them with the strongest arguments that the most skilled devil's advocate could conceive. (pp. 92?93)

For the sake of truth and justice, it is more important to restrict the vitriol of the majority opinion than to regulate the vitriol of the minority opinion. (p. 121)

On Liberty | Written by John Stuart Mill | Translated by Park Hong-gyu | Munye Publishing | 328 pages | 11,500 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.