This short paper investigates John Stewart Mill's ideas on individuality as one of the elements of well-being. It focuses on Mill's ideas on eccentricity, and the dangers he saw in custom and the status quo. Mill believed that a society which encouraged individual liberty was ideal, in that it encouraged both driven individuals and those satisfied with the status quo (they inevitably exist, no matter what the nature of a given society is), to reach their maximum level of happiness. Mill's fundamental idea is that eccentricity among individuals is a key ingredient of genius. Society should not reign in an individual with different interests and passions to conform to mainstream principles. As for whether Mill would say this today, this paper will argue that there is still inherent value in Mill's thoughts on individualism and eccentricity. But it must be noted that our society is more individual-centered than ever, arguably to the detriment of the whole. His key phrase regarding the limitations of self-interest is, as long as it doesn't harm others. Who defines harm? Does individuality lead inevitably to selfishness - a condition in which one no longer respects harm done to others? We need only observe the media to observe murders, robberies and other terrorist groups to drive home this point. 5 pgs. Bibliography lists 1 source.
