Endnotes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Liberty of Thought and Discussion

  Discusses the importance of free discussion even of immoral doctrines, and criticizes government prosecutions for political discussion.

• Custom and Conformity

  Illustrated by the Parsees' abstinence from beef and pork, showing how custom becomes second nature.

• Individuality and Autonomy

  Criticizes legal proceedings that pry into personal details to declare insanity, showing disregard for individual freedom.

Characters to notice

• John Stuart Mill

  Author of the work, referenced in autobiographical citations.

• Wilhelm von Humboldt

  Cited for his work 'The Sphere and Duties of Government'.

• Christ

  Referenced in the context of religious toleration and the divinity of Christ.

Key passages

• “These words had scarcely been written, when, as if to give them an emphatic contradiction, occurred the Government Press Prosecutions of 1858.”

  Shortly after writing the previous text, the Government Press Prosecutions of 1858 happened, seemingly contradicting the author's point.

  Mill references the 1858 prosecutions as a counterexample to his argument about the end of political persecution.

• “Toleration was the great cornerstone of the religious liberties of this country; but do not let them abuse that precious word toleration. As he understood it, it meant the complete liberty to all, freedom of worship, among Christians, who worshipped upon the same foundation.”

  An Undersecretary of State claimed that toleration only applies to Christians who share the same core beliefs, excluding non-Christians.

  Mill highlights this statement to show that religious persecution may still be latent.