"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind"
- John Stuart Mill
About this Quote
John Stuart Mill's quote is a powerful declaration about the importance of liberty of expression. He is saying that even if the majority of people settle on something, they need to not be allowed to silence the viewpoint of the minority. He argues that if a single person had the power to silence the majority, it would be wrong for them to do so, and therefore it is incorrect for the bulk to silence the minority. This quote highlights the importance of enabling everybody to reveal their opinion, no matter whether it is popular or not. It is a suggestion that everyone ought to be permitted to speak their mind without worry of being silenced by the majority. Mill's quote is a powerful pointer of the importance of liberty of expression and the importance of allowing everyone to have their say.