John Stuart Mill Reminds America to Challenge Their Leaders

These words by John Stuart Mill hold the weight of the country during times of political transition.

The primary duty of any administration is to govern by legislation according to precedents set by the Constitution. As the Obama administration gives way to the Trump administration, it will be the duty of all Americans to debate the efficacy of new legislation.

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an English philosopher, political economist and civil servant often called one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. His “Harm Principle” regarded censorship as superfluous. In societies with Freedom of Speech, he says, wrong or harmful arguments will be excluded by an informed public. The government need not silence anyone – they will be silenced by their peers.