“The only power deserving the name is that of masses, and of governments while they make themselves the organ of the tendencies and instincts of masses.”
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The most cogent reason for restricting the interference of government is the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power.
Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth.
The only part of the conduct of any one, 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.
If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.
