John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was a British philosopher, political economist, and civil servant, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. He was a key proponent of utilitarianism, a moral theory developed by his mentor, Jeremy Bentham, which advocates for actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number. Mill was also a strong advocate for individual liberty, free speech, and women's rights, authoring works like On Liberty and The Subjection of Women. His ideas on liberty and democracy continue to shape political thought today.