"If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be …"

"The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others."

"The object of this Essay is to assert one very simple principle, as entitled to govern absolutely the dealings of society with the individual in the way of compulsion and control, whether the means us…"

"The initiation of all wise or noble things, comes and must come from individuals; generally at first from some one individual."

"Originality is the only thing which cannot be produced by any process of imitation."