Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by John Stuart Mill

Quote by John Stuart Mill

“I had what might truly be called an object in life: to be a reformer of the world … This did very well for several years, during which the general improvement going on in the world and the idea of myself as engaged with others in struggling to promote it, seemed enough to fill up an interesting and animated existence. But the time came when I awakened from this as from a dream … In this frame of mind it occurred to me to put the question directly to myself: ‘Suppose that all your objects in life were realised; that all the changes in institutions and opinions that you are looking forward to, could be completely effected at this very instant; would this be a great joy and happiness to you?’ And an irrepressible self-consciousness distinctly answered: ‘No!’ At this my heart sank within me; the whole foundation on which my life was constructed fell down. All my happiness was to have been found in the continual pursuit of this end. The end had ceased to charm, and how could there ever again be any interest in the means? I seemed to have nothing left to live for.”

Quote by John Stuart Mill

Book:Autobiography
Create image

Work

Autobiography

A comprehensive account of the author's life, covering their early years, significant events, and personal reflections. more

Author

John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill was an influential British philosopher, economist, and logician. He is one of the most important figures in 19th-century philosophy and his ideas had a profound impact on political, social, and philosophical thought of the time. more

You May Also Like

“Oral histories from the period testify to the hope and excitement that Fascism generated. Men and women who had despaired of political change suddenly felt in touch with the answers they had been seeking. Eagerly they traveled long distances to attend Fascist rallies, where they discovered kindred souls keen to restore greatness to the nation, traditional values to the community, and optimism about the future. Here, in this crusade, they heard explanations that made sense to them about the powerful currents that were at work in the world. Here were the chances they had sought to participate in youth groups, athletic organizations, charity drives, and job-training activities. Here were the connections they needed to start a new business or take out a loan. Many families that had stopped after bearing two children, thinking that number all they could afford, now found the confidence to bear four or five or six. In the congenial company of fellow Fascists, they could share an identity that seemed right to them and engage in a cause that each could serve with gladness and singleness of heart. These were prizes, they believed, worth marching for and even giving up democratic freedoms for—provided their leaders could do as promised and make their fantasies real.”

GovernmentHopePoliticsDespairExcitementFascismRallies
Book:Fascism: A Warning
Create image

“Why do I speak of joy or write of love, When my heart is the very den of horror, And in my soul the pains of hell I prove, With all his tormented and infernal terror? What should I say? what yet remains to do? My brain is dry with weeping all too long; My signs be spent in utt'ring of my woe, And I want words wherewith to tell my wrong. Love's Lunacy: Sonnet XLI”

LoveSadnessDespairUnrequited
Book:Idea: Elizabethan Sonnet Cycle
Create image