I knew that this year was "Darwin's year," but I had no idea that the work On Liberty even existed.
Written by John Stuart Mills, On Liberty describes Mills' belief in free speech and discussion in all matters, including those that are religious and political. If groups in society matter, it is because the liberty of the individuals who formed them matters, and they should never impose their beliefs on another group. Today's society clearly needs to be reminded of this book.
Mills' work places him firmly in the humanist tradition, as he reminds us to value the human experience, as well as the discussion and examination of that experience so that we may develop fully as members in our society. Religious and secular alike, we are encouraged to grow as completely as possible.
On Liberty gained countless criticisms from religious sources, but the political positions he evolved are ones that can be shared by people of any religion as much as humanists. We can all be brought together by the commonality of humanity, rather than the factions of conservative or liberal.
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