The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good, in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it.~ John Stuart Mill, 19th century British Philosopher ~
If I were a betting man, I would bet that JS Mill was not familiar in the least with Lao Tzu or Chuang Tzu. Yet, the quote above would fit nicely within Taoist philosophy!
In his own way, Mill is stating that each person must find their own path and that each path is unique. Even further, this sentiment echoes many of the latter verses in the Wen Tzu.
I think it's important to understand that, while philosophical Taoism has a unique orientation, a great deal of the insights are shared by many other belief systems or philosophic perspectives.
In his own way, Mill is stating that each person must find their own path and that each path is unique. Even further, this sentiment echoes many of the latter verses in the Wen Tzu.
I think it's important to understand that, while philosophical Taoism has a unique orientation, a great deal of the insights are shared by many other belief systems or philosophic perspectives.
I fully agree with his view here and I'm sure many people would state this in similar words, no matter their political, religious or philosophical bent.
ReplyDeleteIt is the basic ideal "Do as you want but don't crap on anyone else in the process"
All laws beyond this actually break it.
..break it:
ReplyDeletee.g. You must pay tax. (this will not directly improve my happiness)
You can not copy this CD to your neighbor. (this impacts my basic right and theirs to our pursuit of happiness)
..or fail to improve upon it:
e.g. Don't kill. (Already stated in law 1)
and so on.