B1 · 2,547 words · German

Über die Freiheit

John Stuart Mill

The enduring work of John Stuart Mill intricately explores the delicate balance between individual freedom and societal constraints, arguing for the harm principle as the only legitimate basis for limiting personal freedoms. He advocates for the unfettered flow of ideas and the development of individuality as the cornerstone of societal progress and well-being. Mill's warning against the tyranny of the majority and his critique of social conformity underscore the critical need for a society that values and protects diverse opinions and ways of life. As contemporary debates continue to wrestle with the intricacies of liberty and governance, Mill's commitment to personal autonomy within the boundaries of non-harm to others provides a timeless foundation for addressing these complex issues, emphasizing the role of education in nurturing informed and resilient citizens. His work remains a crucial reference point in discussions of the interplay between individual rights and collective responsibilities, offering insights consistent with the ongoing pursuit of a just and free society.

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The words readers of this text looked up most, each with its meaning and the line it comes from.

gefeiert / ɡəˈfaɪ̯ɐt /verb

celebrated

wird gefeiert.

He is celebrated.

inwieweit / ˌɪnviːˈvaɪ̯t /adverb

to what extent

Sein kritisches Werk untersucht die entscheidende Frage, inwieweit die Gesellschaft legitim Einfluss auf ihre Mitglieder ausüben kann.

His critical work examines the crucial question of the extent to which society can legitimately exert influence on its members.

der Utilitarismus / deːɐ̯ utilitaˈʁɪsmʊs /noun

utilitarianism

Ideen zum Liberalismus und zum Utilitarismus.

Ideas on liberalism and utilitarianism.

Grenzen / ˈɡrɛnt͡sn̩ /noun

limits

Indem er sich mit der Natur und den Grenzen gesellschaftlicher Macht auseinandersetzt...

By engaging with the nature and limits of social power...

SchrankenEinschränkungenBegrenzungen

notwendig / ˈnɔtvɛndɪç /adjective

necessary

die für das Wohlergehen des Menschen notwendig sind

that are necessary for human well-being

erforderlichunumgänglichzwingend

anzugehen / ˈant͡suˌɡeːən /verb

to address

die sozialen und politischen Probleme der Ära anzugehen.

to address the social and political problems of the era.

führende / ˈfyːʁəndə /adjective

leading

John Stuart Mill, eine führende Figur in der Philosophie...

John Stuart Mill, a leading figure in philosophy...

gesichert / ɡəˈzɪçɐt /verb

secured

Seine Relevanz im zeitgenössischen Diskurs gesichert.

His relevance in contemporary discourse was secured.

verwurzelt / fɛɐ̯ˈvʊʁt͡sl̩t /adjective

rooted

Seine Erziehung und Ausbildung, tief verwurzelt in den intellektuellen Strömungen seiner Zeit

His upbringing and education, deeply rooted in the intellectual currents of his time

nachhaltig / ˈnaːxˌhaltɪç /adverb

sustainably

Seine starke Befürwortung individueller Rechte, Meinungsfreiheit und des Austauschs von Ideen hat den liberalen Gedanken und demokratische Ideale nachhaltig beeinflusst und seine Relevanz im zeitgenössischen Diskurs gesichert.

His strong advocacy of individual rights, freedom of speech, and the exchange of ideas has sustainably influenced liberal thought and democratic ideals and secured its relevance in contemporary discourse.

durablypermanentlylastinglyfor the long term

bedeutenden / bəˈdɔʏ̯tn̩dən /adjective

important

wird für seine bedeutenden Ideen gefeiert.

is celebrated for his important ideas.

wichtigrelevant

die entscheidende / diː ɛntˈʃaɪ̯dəndə /adjective

crucial

Sein kritisches Werk untersucht die entscheidende Frage.

His critical work examines the crucial question.

wesentlichmaßgeblichwichtig