The sphere of personal freedom is an area of human life that relates to the individual directly. Moreover, each person has the liberty to choose and pursue a purpose of one’s preference, arrange life according to desires, and work together with other individuals to achieve a specific goal. Moreover, the difference of views is a positive phenomenon that stimulates progress and should not be suppressed (Mill, 1859, p. 29). If someone behaves according to inclinations and personal opinions and these actions concern only oneself directly, then unlimited freedom is necessary. However, it is absolute as long as it does not overstep the boundaries of others.
The principle of state intervention is that individuals, separately or collectively, may have the right to interfere in someone’s efforts only for self-preservation. Each member of a civilized community can be subjected to some coercion if it is essential to prevent such activities that are harmful to others (Mill, 1859, p. 13). Every person who enjoys the patronage of society owes a reward for this. The fact that individuals live in the community makes it inevitable for them to fulfill specific rules of conduct. A human must perform the labor share to protect the state or its members from any harm (Mill, 1859, p. 25). The state has the right to compel any individual to fulfill these duties, and the urge to prevent the possibility of violations of the rights of others is the only reason for this intervention.
Reference
Mill, J. S. (1859). On liberty. In J. Bennett (Ed.). Routledge.