“The duty of man is the same in respect to his own nature as in respect to the nature of all other things, namely not to follow it but to amend it.”
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Whatever crushes individuality is despotism, by whatever name it may be called and whether it professes to be enforcing the will of God or the injunctions of men.
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.
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.
Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth.