Js Mills Conformity

In “Principles of Political Economy & On Liberty,” J.S. Mills states that you have as much liberty as is consistent with other people therefore humans are inherently individuals. You are free to do what you please and to pursue your own idea of the good, so long as you do not harm another or prevent them from pursuing their good. Humans are naturally individuals, which is good because it is essential to the cultivation of the self. A basic problem that Mill sees with society is that individual spontaneity is not respected as having any good in itself, and is not seen as essential to well-being. Mills writes that in early stages of society, it is possible that there could be too much individuality. People become more valuable to themselves
Society in general does not give enough importance to spontaneous action. Additionally, Mills claims that the government should allow the specialized, informed people to make their own, educated decisions, with the exceptions of education, children/inferiors, contracts and perpetuity, poor laws, monopolies, colonization, labor hours/class interest, and infrastructure (Mills, 1038-1041). In these situations, the government makes decisions so as to best protect and serve the individual and others, and to protect those who do not know from themselves/the harm of others. This is important because it goes back to Mills’ point that it is better for humans to be individuals so that they can make their own decisions that are not uniform with everyone’s decision otherwise this leaves very little room for economic variation or diversity which is essential for ethical economic thoughts and growths. Mill also speaks about the importance of a person to have his own desires and impulses; strong impulses produce energy, the fuel for change and activity in the economic
The wealth of a nation stems from its labor force (ability, quality, number), which is important because the more production there is; the more there is to trade. Smith shows his opposition to mercantilism that was existent when he was writing this text; however, he gives an account of a social dynamic that is deeply embedded in human nature. He develops the idea of the division of labor and how this particular partition can lead to the prosperity of a state by producing a surplus of goods and services that can later be exchanged in the economic market. It is also important because it brings to light the significance of individualism versus membership in a community; division of labor shows that it is most ethical for economic thought to focus on individual well-being. The division of labor in industries has lead to increased worker skill (dexterity), increased efficiency, and improved machinery. This is noteworthy because it allows for concentration to be allocated in one area and consequently drives technological innovation and making endeavors more effective, adding to the efficiency and surplus of the economy. One can even go as far as to say that Smith is advocating selfishness but he argues that selfishness is a reality; selfishness drives selflessness