Mill on Human Nature

Question 1

Mill’s Quote on Human Nature and Freedom

Answer 1

‘After the primary necessities of food and raiment, freedom is the first and strongest want to human nature.’

(The Subjection of Women, 1869)

Question 2

How do Mill’s beliefs on human nature differ to those of Bentham’s?

Answer 2

Mill rejects Bentham’s view that humans are only self-interested.

Mill believed that a “desire of perfection” and sympathy for fellow human beings belong to human nature.