1. In what cases does Mill think people should be left alone in terms of determining their actions in the world?

1. Explain why Mill views diversity of opinions as so essential to finding truth.

1. Why is Mill such a staunch protector of individuality in society? Why does he think societal and individual progress relies heavily on individuality?

1. What are the three reasons Mill gives for why the individual shouldn't just follow social convention blindly?

1. Explain this quote: "Human nature is not a machine to be built after a model, and set to do exactly the work prescribed for it, but a tree, which requires to grow and develop itself on all sides, according to the tendency of the inward forces which make it a living thing"(777).

1. Why does Mill think it's important that individuals have control over their own desires and impulses? What does he see as the greatest threat to humans in modern society (during his time)?

1. Explain this quote: "In proportion to the development of his individuality, each person becomes more valuable to himself, and is, therefore, capable of being more valuable to others. There is a greater fullness of life about his own existence. . ."(779).

1. What does Mill have to say about geniuses in society? Why is freedom so important to them? Explain this quote: "Originality is the one thing which unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of"(780).

1. Why does Mill claim that mediocrity is on the rise in many societies?

1. Explain this quote: "Such are the differences among human beings in their sources of pleasure, their susceptibilities to pain, and the operation on them of different physical and moral agencies that, unless there is a corresponding diversity in their modes of life, they neither obtain their fair share of happiness, nor grow up to the mental, moral, and aesthetic stature of which their nature is capable"(782). What are some reasons Mill cites for why people may not customize their existence to their nature?

1. What does Mill have to say about China and why does he see Chinese society as an example of a cautionary tale concerning suppression of individuality? What reason does Mill give for why European countries have been able to sustain more diversity than China?

1. In what ways does Mill see the desire for equality amongst all types of people as potentially dangerous to the society? What are the potential problems Mill sees with education and democracy?

1. Explain the significance of this quote: "To individuality should belong the part of life in which it is chiefly the individual that is interested; to society, the part which chiefly interests society"(785). What two situations does Mill cite in which the society has the right to demand something of the individual?

1. Explain this quote: "All errors which he is likely to commit against advice and warning are far outweighed by the evil of allowing others to constrain him to what they deem his good"(786).

1. Explain this quote: "Whenever, in short, there is a definite damage, or a definite risk of damage, either to an individual or to the public, the case is taken out of the province of liberty and placed in that of morality and law"(789).

1. Mill states that in the societies of the past and societies of his time, many people claim to value individuality and freedom, but in practice that it's rarely realized. Why does he think this? Explain this quote: ". . .and this standard of judgment, thinly disguised, is held up to mankind as the dictate of religion and philosophy by nine-tenths of all moralists and speculative writers. These teach that things are right because they are right; because we feel them to be so"(790).

1. Talk about the situations or potential situations Mill cites as examples at the end of chapter IV where the collective is overstepping its rights in relation to the individual. Explain the case of the Mormons, the Prohibition and respect for the Sabbath. Why is it not in our self-interest to seek to control the private lives of individuals and to impose our personal views on others?