Gossip Column – John Stuart Mills

Gossip Column – John Stuart Mills

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was born in London, England and the eldest son of James Mill, a Scottish philosopher and historian. John Stuart Mill began academic career at an early age. Isolated from all the kids his own age he was guided and educated by his father. By the age of 14 he become well versed in both the languages of Greek and Latin; had studied mathematics, logic, world history, and mastered the basics of economic theory. Under the control of his father James Mill, his goal to make his son the leader of the “philosophical radicals1” was all falling into place. In 1823, his father secured him a position working a junior chief position for him in the East India Company. John soon rose to the top and took over his father’s position as chief examiner.

In 1826, Mill suffered a nervous breakdown and fell into depression for several months. (Obviously caused by his controlling father.) This important stage of his life helped him open his eyes and to reconsider his entire life’s work. He began a new path to review his father’s work, and came to a conclusion that his fathers training weakened his emotions. His depression soon disappeared as he began reading poetry epically of William Wordsworth2.

At the age of 24 Mill met Harriet Taylor at the time was already married to a wealthy man. Soon both became very intimate and kept a close relationship with her. After waiting two year for Mrs. Taylor’s husband’s death she got remarried to Mill in 1851. Harriet influenced a lot of Mills work for the rest of his life. She helped him discover of individuality in both women and men and utilitarianism3, which went against his father’s ways.

Unfortunately, during a trip to Europe Harriet became very ill and passed away. This grief made it unbearable for Mill, as he refused move away from her grave. This eventually turned around and Harriet became his inspiration to write many of his major books.

A System of Logic released in 4...