John Stuart Mill's Notion of Free Development of Individuality as an Imperative for Sustainable Democracy

Abstract

The paper discusses the prospects of John Stuart Mill notion of free development of individuality and its realization of a sustainable democratic order. This paper contends that a sustainable democratic society or state can be brought about by a political arrangement that recognizes the need to offer the citizens of a state, a considerable amount of freedom to develop themselves with minimal restrictions on the part of the state. The method used in this paper is critical analysis; and expository, this is used to analyze the idea of political liberalisms, and how it can brings to the fore the imperative need for the role of the individual within the collective whole, be adequately factored into the governing process or administration of the state at all time .This paper takes an expository method of John Stuart Mill's notion of free development of individuality, and his political philosophy. This paper takes cognizance of the fact that the individual represents the atomic unit of society, and we can explain the collectivity required for the growth and development of the state in the quest to realize a sustainable democratic structure. The paper is of the view that, Individuality to Mill meant the power or capacity for critical enquiry and responsible thought. It meant self-development and the expression of free will. John Stuart Mill stresses liberty of conscience, belief and expression, for they are crucial to human progress.