I’m reading On Liberty, by John Stuart Mill and I’m just captivated by the clarity of this guy’s thinking and his ability to say what he means clearly and directly. That’s a rare quality among the philosophers I’ve had the chance to follow.
I mentioned earlier that I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately, deliberately challenging myself by seeking out authors who offer ideas that, from my perspective, are different or new. Acquiring On Liberty was an accident though. I picked it up because I recognized Mill’s name and because the book was deeply discounted in a second-hand book store. I’m so pleased with my purchase.
Although, I’m only half way through it, I already know that I’m going to be reading this book several more times before it goes up on the shelf.
One thought that stands out right now parallels what we have been discussing this week: We need to question our thinking.
Mill starts his book with observations about thought and discussion, advocating for the critical importance of free speech. He says that even if what you believe is actually true, it must still be held up for questioning. If we fail in this, the truth may abide in the mind, but only as a prejudice.
He writes, “This is not the way in which truth ought to be held by a rational being. This is not knowing the truth. Truth, thus held, is but one superstition the more, accidentally clinging to the words which enunciate the truth.”
‘nuff said?