“Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.”John Stuart Mill · Despre libertate · 1859 · capitolul IV
Social progress is fueled by individual freedom to experiment, not by forced conformity.
Mill promotes tolerance and diversity as sources of progress. When each person follows their own path, life experiments emerge that can discover better ways of living. Forcing uniformity, on the other hand, stifles innovation and happiness. For example, a community that accepts alternative lifestyles, such as eco-communities, can learn sustainable practices from them.
Why it matters Today, this supports multiculturalism and the right to be different, from sexual orientation to career choices.