The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.

Summary

This quote, taken from John Stuart Mill's essay "On Liberty," emphasizes the limits of societal influence on individual behavior. Mill argues that individuals should be accountable to society only when their actions affect others. In matters that pertain exclusively to oneself, such as personal beliefs and choices, individuals possess absolute independence. It asserts the idea of individual sovereignty, denoting that each person has the right to exercise control over their body and mind without interference from external forces.

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