John Stuart Mill: A Detailed Biography

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was the most influential English philosopher of the 19th century. His works On Liberty, Utilitarianism, and The Subjection of Women remain foundational to liberalism, ethics, and feminist thought. Raised as a utilitarian prodigy, he later broke with strict Benthamism to champion individual freedom and qualitative pleasure. This biography explores his extraordinary education, intellectual crisis, major works, marriage to Harriet Taylor, and lasting legacy, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Early Life and Prodigy Education

Childhood Under James Mill

Born on May 20, 1806, in London, Mill was educated at home by his father James Mill and Jeremy Bentham. By age 3 he studied Greek; by 8 Latin and algebra; by 12 he had read Plato in the original and mastered higher mathematics and logic. At 14 he spent a year in France perfecting the language, as detailed in his Autobiography (1873).

Mental Crisis and Recovery

In 1826–1827, at age 20, Mill suffered a profound nervous breakdown, asking himself if the realisation of all utilitarian goals would make him happy — and answering “No.” Reading Wordsworth and discovering the importance of emotion and cultivation of feelings saved him, leading to a more nuanced philosophy.

Career at the East India Company

From 1823 to 1858 Mill worked for the British East India Company, rising to chief examiner. This steady income allowed him to write prolifically while remaining financially independent, as noted by the British Library.

Major Works

On Liberty (1859)

Co-authored with Harriet Taylor, On Liberty introduced the harm principle: “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.” It remains the classic defence of free speech and individualism.

Utilitarianism (1861)

Mill refined Bentham’s quantitative utilitarianism into qualitative: “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”

The Subjection of Women (1869)

One of the earliest full-length feminist works by a male author, arguing that the legal subordination of women is wrong and counterproductive.

Harriet Taylor and Marriage

In 1830 Mill met Harriet Taylor, a married woman 23 years his senior. They formed an intense intellectual and emotional partnership that lasted until her husband’s death in 1849. They married in 1851; Harriet died in Avignon in 1858. Mill credited her as co-author of On Liberty and many other works, as documented by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Parliament and Later Years

Elected Liberal MP for Westminster (1865–1868), Mill was the first MP to call for women’s suffrage in Parliament. He retired after one term and spent his final years in Avignon near Harriet’s grave.

Death and Legacy

John Stuart Mill’s Enduring Impact

Mill died on May 8, 1873, in Avignon from erysipelas. His ideas on liberty, utility, and gender equality shaped modern liberalism, human rights declarations, and free-speech law. The harm principle is cited in courts worldwide, and On Liberty remains required reading in political philosophy courses.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Stuart Mill

Why Is John Stuart Mill Famous?

For On Liberty, Utilitarianism, and developing the harm principle — foundational texts of classical liberalism.

What Is the Harm Principle?

The only justification for restricting liberty is to prevent harm to others.

Where Was John Stuart Mill Born?

London, England, on May 20, 1806.

What Is Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill?

A refined version of Bentham’s theory that distinguishes higher (intellectual) and lower pleasures.

Who Was Harriet Taylor?

Mill’s intellectual partner and wife (1851–1858); he credited her as co-author of On Liberty.

Was John Stuart Mill a Member of Parliament?

Yes — Liberal MP for Westminster 1865–1868 and the first to call for women’s suffrage in Parliament.

How Did John Stuart Mill Die?

May 8, 1873, in Avignon, France, from erysipelas.