“The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others”
— John Stuart Mill
Simplified Meaning:
In simple terms, the quote means that the only valid reason to use power over someone who doesn't agree is to stop them from hurting other people. Imagine you're in a classroom, and one student is throwing things and might harm others. The teacher steps in and makes the student stop. This action is fair because it's about making sure everyone stays safe. In history, think of laws that protect people. For example, there are traffic rules everyone must follow. These laws exist not to control people for no reason, but to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe. In our daily lives, if someone wants to do something dangerous that could injure others, like driving recklessly, it's okay for the police to intervene. This principle ensures that our actions don't harm those around us. Using power responsibly means using it to protect people, not to dominate them just because we can.
