''The object of this Essay is to assert one very simple principle, as entitled to govern absolutely the dealings of society with the individual in the way of compulsion and control, whether the means used be physical force in the form of legal penalties, or the moral coercion of public opinion. That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection.

That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.

His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right... The only part of the conduct of anyone, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.''

~John Stuart Mill, ''On Liberty'' (1859)

ZombieHorde

(29,047 posts)

5. Unfortunately, people don't agree on the definition of "harm to others."

Reply to DeSwiss (Reply #3)

Sat Apr 7, 2012, 09:48 PM

Apr 2012

Gay marriage, abortion, taxes, health care mandates, etc.

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)

6. If the harm can't be ''rationally proven'' then they're full of it. n/t

Reply to ZombieHorde (Reply #5)

Sun Apr 8, 2012, 01:46 AM

Apr 2012

SemperEadem

(8,053 posts)

9. those people hide behind their religion as their justification, not on rationale or proof

Reply to DeSwiss (Reply #6)

Sun Apr 8, 2012, 10:33 AM

Apr 2012

According to them, if women were allowed the freedoms to proceed in what they believe to be their best interests, then all of humanity will fall down around their ears in 6 hours.

Used to be that if women were allowed to vote, all order would devolve in a morass of hysterical emotion. Well, we got the vote and nothing of the kind happened.

If we got the pill and ability to control when we felt it was right to bear children, then we'd all be out on the curb fucking everything that went past our face and the human race would die out in a generation because they were no longer being saddled with more children than was healthy for them to carry and deliver.

All mainstream religions (christianity, judaism and islam) are headed up by men. The hysteria conjured up by the male mind shackled to insane religious doctrine in order to justify the oppression of women makes one wonder who really is the weaker sex.

DeSwiss

(27,137 posts)

10. Understood and I agree with your points.

Reply to SemperEadem (Reply #9)

Sun Apr 8, 2012, 05:23 PM

Apr 2012

While open to dispute for many centuries, the word religion is generally thought to derive from the Latin, ''religare'' meaning ''to bind'' -- not to free. And it has been my experience that the religious (particularly the Abrahamics) seem to forget that their belief system also states that god granted everyone "free will.''

- And freedom cannot be attained if one is bound......

''The Iron Maiden''©™ - Vatican Approved

Major Nikon

(36,827 posts)

7. After 3 days they may not have a choice

Reply to Playinghardball (Original post)

Sun Apr 8, 2012, 02:03 AM

Apr 2012

Just sayin'

Reply to this discussion