Experiments of Living: Mill's Philosophy

This essay delves into John Stuart Mill's concept of 'experiments of living,' exploring the significance of individual decision-making and the influence of various factors like customs, religion, and personal experiences. It discusses Mill's arguments for embracing diverse ways of living, emphasizing the importance of originality and character development. The essay also examines the role of society in fostering individuality and the potential limitations of customs. A hypothetical scenario involving a woman's religious beliefs and healthcare choices is used to illustrate the practical implications of Mill's philosophy. The essay concludes by highlighting the need for a society that values diverse perspectives and encourages individual growth.

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Experiments of Living
Experiments of Living means the various decisions which are taken by an individual in his life.
Mill states that people are none other than the outcomes of the surroundings in life. There are
many factors which influence us to take various decisions which includes ethnic customs,
religion, television and most significantly our friends, families and mentors, who all are the
biggest factor to shape our future and present. We have to face a lot of different decisions in life
and also we make certain experimented decisions for which we get curious about their outcome
which can be considered as experiments of living. This can also be regarded as the effect of
compilation of influences and experiences with which we grow up and it helps to make certain
well-formed decisions. We might always not know the outcomes of the decisions and whether
they are right or wrong, which is the reason behind calling them as experiment. Today we are
living in a world where customs are largely directed and routed ("On Liberty Chapter 3
Summary and Analysis", 2017). In the present era the culture is always prefixed with the popular
which consist of dismissal, ironizing, mocking and flouting of custom. Engagement of everyone
as experiments of living involves the liberation from judgementalism instead of embracing every
structure of diversity. According to Mill, each decision is based upon the tossing of a coin for
example an event where a lady refuses the treatment for medication for herself, where someone
might have advised her to check with doctor in case she faces any health trouble. However, due
to her strong religious beliefs which are so deeply embedded in her, they may hinder the
judgment or advice by others. This clears the situation that even though we have all answers
regarding handling of a situation, it actually depends on the individual and whether they are
making the correct decision.

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Mill’s Arguments in favor of Experiments of Living
Mill argues in the favor of “experiments of living” that the faculties of human which comprise of
moral preferences, mental activities, discrimination feeling, judgement and perception are
implemented while making a decision a choose something. He states that by simply living, a
person does not take part in experiments of living but engage his mind as well. After engaging
the mind, a person should actively form opinions on his own which may dictate the verdicts
which he made which is considered as better option than blindly complying with the teachings of
culture and religion. Having assessed whether all the people should be permitted to express and
hold the beliefs which are unpopular, Mill examines whether everyone should be permitted to
opinionate their actions without encountering any social stigma or legal punishment. Mill argues
that the activities and opinions should be limited if they start causing harm to any other person.
Yet, a lot of reasons to respect various opinions are applicable to respect the actions of others as
well. Because of the consideration of humanity as fallible or imperfect, the various experiment of
living are a treasured aspect. The individuality’s expressions are essential and significant for the
social and individual progress.
Mill’s Argument: For a Man to Be True To His “Nature”, Society Must Indulge in
Alternative Ways of Living
Mill believe that for a person to be true to his nature, the individuality of impulses and desires
should not be reinvigorated to itself, instead the society must maintain that there is no need of
rigid nature and also that high energy and vitality is not necessary. Fundamentally, women and

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men should act over their own beliefs and desires as they have rigid personality and character.
The nature of human is malleable in the beginning, continuously being structured till the person
grows up completely. This is the main reason for why there should be acceptance by society
various ways of living, as it aids a person to connect and learn with the inner selves. The society
need to provide accommodations to each person’s various personalities. In order to become true
towards one’s own nature, the person need to access the opportunity for doing so as the
inaccessibility for the same may lead to an unfulfilled feeling. If we understand the inner self, we
can change and truly grow for a better future ("Mill, On Liberty, Chapter 3 | Library of
Economics and Liberty", 2017). According to Mill, the nature of human is not like a machine
which is to be built like a model and do the prescribed work, but it is a tree, which needs to
develop and grow itself from all the sides, as per the tendency of the internal forces which
formulate it like a living thing. The nature of human is corrupt that there is no recovery for any
of the individual until the nature of that human is finished or killed inside him. There should be
various experiments of living because of imperfection of mankind which causes differences of
opinions. Mill argues that vast scope should be allotted to different characters as the individuality
needs to be asserted if there are certain things which are not concerning others.
In context of Custom
The customs and traditions of people are evidence of the teachings from their experiences.
Evidence related to presumption claims this deference as initially the experience might not be too
broad or there might be a mistake in interpreting it correctly. After that, may be interpretation
comes out to be right, but does not suit them. Customs are developed for circumstances and
characteristics which are customary. Lastly, although the customs may be suitable to him and are

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good like customs, but still for conforming to customs does not develop or educate any good
qualities which are uniquely endowed in every human.
In Context of Originality
According to Mill, the most valuable and important element in affairs of human is originality.
Always, there is a need of people who may point out what is truth and also initiate new conduct
and practices and also set example of rational conduct and better sense and taste of human life.
Mill also added that the first and foremost service of originality should be to open the mind and
eyes of the fraud people who do not even know the meaning of originality. Originality should not
only be admired from heart but should be embedded in action and thought of people. Also it is
important that the people should be modest to believe and accept that something is still left to be
accomplished and everything which they have received till now is the fruit of originality
("Experiments in Living", 2017).
In Context of Character
The general mankind involves only reasonable intellect and inclinations which have no wishes or
tastes to mold them for anything unique and hence they are not able to understand people who
are accustomed for looking down. There is a spirit of philanthropy for which there is no field to
be invited irrespective of the prudential betterment of fellow creatures. Additionally, it can be
supposed that a rigid movement has been placed towards improving the morals which effects the
way to regularize the conduct and discourage excesses of everything (2017).

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Hypothetical Assumption- “Experiment Of Living”: A Women With No Children Who,
Based On Her Religious Beliefs, Does Not Seek Medical Care For Herself, Her Family Or
Friends.
The main cause behind this hypothetical assumption is that believes of the woman are instilled
inside her as she is growing up. This amalgamation of various influences, especially influences
related to religion are directly inspiring her decision and motive to avoid seeking any type of
proper medication or treatment for any ailment that may come on her way Gray, J. (2013). Also,
Mill is agreeing with the statement and states that it can be considered as a good and proper
condition and a privilege of human being which is arrived at maturity of faculties to interpret and
use experiences in an individualistic way.

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REFERENCES
Mill, On Liberty, Chapter 3 | Library of Economics and Liberty. (2017). Econlib.org. Retrieved
14 February 2017, from http://www.econlib.org/library/Mill/mlLbty3.html
On Liberty Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis. (2017). Gradesaver.com. Retrieved 14 February
2017, from http://www.gradesaver.com/on-liberty/study-guide/summary-chapter-3
Experiments in Living. (2017). The American Conservative. Retrieved 14 February 2017, from
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/experiments-in-living/
Gray, J. (2013). Mill on liberty: a defence. Routledge.
(2017). Retrieved 14 February 2017, from
http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/econ/ugcm/3ll3/mill/liberty.pdf