“The will of the people, moreover, practically means the will of the most numerous or the most active part of the people; the majority, or those who succeed in making themselves accepted as the majority; type people, consequently, may desire to oppress a part of their number; and precautions are as much needed against this as against any other abuse of power.”

English philosopher, political economist, and politician

John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher, political economist, and politician. A major figure in nineteenth-century liberal thought, he is known for shaping modern ideas about individual freedom and limits on state and social control. He argued for liberty as a protection for the individual, and is closely associated with the Harm principle. Mill also supported proportional representation, the emancipation of women, and the growth of labour organisations and farm cooperatives. His work is often placed within both classical liberal and social liberal traditions.