"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others, to do so would be wise, or even right... The only part of the conduct of anyone, 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."
~ John Stuart Mill
That is to say, to what extent does your government value the freedom of the individual, in a civil sense? Do your government's policies reflect the ideas of the social liberal, such as Mr. Mill here, or are they more to the tune of social conservatives such as Edmund Burke?
Discuss.
