Similarities Between Nietzsche And John Stuart Mill

In fact, Mill might agree that if struggle is what makes someone feel self-actualized and free, that one should feel free to struggle. Just because Mill defines happy or good in his own way, does not preclude others, including Nietzsche, from defining what is satisfying or life-affirming in their own way. Furthermore, Mill emphasizes the value of not simply accepting custom without questioning it, and that making thoughtful choices and not being complacent is a critical aspect of making the most of one’s human capacities. He would argue that not understanding the basis for one’s thoughts and desires impedes the development of individual character.

Nietzsche similarly believes that freedom is achieved by recognizing when the source of one’s

Mill’s political protection of the right to freedom of thought could combine with Nietzsche’s perpetual self-overcoming: one’s evolving struggle to gain more personal clarity and power in one’s individual essence and beliefs. So, Mill could be viewed as a departure or starting point, from which Nietzsche can strive toward self-actualizing. In order for Nietzsche to have his say, there would need to be a political structure that allows for it. While Nietzsche might argue that value systems in political structures are part of the problem, no one would be reading his arguments if they were banned. “Genius can only breathe free in an 'atmosphere' of freedom,” according to Mill. Still, Nietzsche would view this concept of freedom as superficial. Acknowledging one should be free to have thoughts doesn't mean one has done the work to be free. It is especially dangerous if it gives the impression that it has arrived at the desired outcome simply by virtue of having allowed it. And yet, without the political protection or the civil right which allows for that rejection of a value system, this striving or struggle would be impeded. One needs a system of protection for Nietzsche's ideas to flourish. One might argue that while a construct for human thriving is a dynamic rather than static thing, it still requires delineation and form to be fulfilled. Perhaps even the choice of an essay topic (which Nietzsche might view as trying to put a square peg in a round hole) is a fruitful endeavor to better understand complex ideas of freedom by thinking outside the