John Stuart Mill

"The question is not how to wrest control of the world, but how to govern oneself."

"In a state of despotism, there is no room for anything that is not commanded or approved."

"Knowledge of the facts of nature is not to be confused with philosophy."

"As it is useful that while mankind is imperfect, there should be different opinions."

"Freedom of thought and individual rights are the guarantees of progress."

"The notion that one class will always rule another is a barbaric prejudice."

"Every attempt to reform morality without reforming institutions is useless."

"Individuality of circumstances is the principal thing."

"The true virtue of a human being is fitness to live together with others in peace and justice."

"The very aim and end of our institutions should be the elevation of the inferior portions of our race."

"There is no greater or truer gift that a person can give to the world than a good education."

"Inequality is the principal source of all crime and misery."

"Men should be allowed to discover their talents by freedom of action."

"The true interest of popular government requires that the great body of the people should possess knowledge."

"Regard all the affairs of the world as it respects the welfare of mankind."

"Every duty of perfect obligation is also a duty of imperfect obligation."

"The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance to human advancement."

"Mankind is more susceptible to improvement by precept and precept than by punishment."

"A system of self-help is the best policy to protect the weak."

"Utility is the ultimate appeal on all ethical questions."

"The preservation of a good condition of body is also the part of a good condition of mind."

"No theory of government can be truly maintained unless it has a foundation in morality."

"The moment of passion is not the moment of true thought and clear judgment."

"In the long history of mankind, there have been few innovations that serve to make the world a better place."

"What is not forbidden must be permitted."

"The love of goodness is itself a natural instinct."

"Ignorance of the public and private law is unforgivable in a statesman."

"The science of political economy belongs to a certain period of social history."

"The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation."

"Evil is the privation of good."