The product of an unusual and remarkable education, London-born Mill was educated by his father, the Scottish philosopher James Mill. By age 13, Mill had been taught Greek, Latin, logic, and economics. His father was his companion and Mill was not permitted to fraternize with children of his own age. His studies came to include history, law, and philosophy and as a 17 year old, Mill went to work at the India Office. Upon the dissolution of the East India Co., Mill undertook his life's work as philsopher and social reformer. Mill's most popular work, On Liberty (1859) was an articulate defense of the freedom of the individual against social and political control. Mill's wife was actively involved in his writing and it was she who probably influenced his views on women. Somewhat ahead of his time, Mill was a supporter of women's rights, publishing The Subjugation of Women (1869) and, as a member of Parliament, was outspoken in his support of women's suffrage. Mill's other works include Principles of Political Economy, Considerations on Representative Government, Utilitarianism, and Three Essays on Religion, among others. |