Mill On Liberty Author:John Stuart Mill, Currin V. Shields Influenced by the Utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham, Mill [1806-1873] adopted a modified "laissez-faire" position, believing in the efficiency of free enterprise, but aware of the frequent failure of the market to maximize utility. Later refining this stance, he argued that the promotion of happiness is a moral duty.... These ideas had a de... more »cisive influence on Mill's classic 1859 essay, perhaps the most celebrated defense of individual freedom and "self-protection" to appear in English....« less