On Liberty · ¶145

I have reserved for the last place a large class of questions respecting the limits of government interference, which, though closely connected with the subject of this Essay, do not, in strictness, belong to it. These are cases in which the reasons against interference do not turn upon the principle of liberty: the question is not about restraining the actions of individuals, but about helping them: it is asked whether the government should do, or cause to be done, something for their benefit, instead of leaving it to be done by themselves, individually, or in voluntary combination.

John Stuart Mill · Walter Scott Publishing edition, with W. L. Courtney’s introduction · Gutenberg #34901
John Stuart Mill · Walter Scott Publishing edition, with W. L. Courtney’s introduction · Gutenberg #34901
Passage preview. Read in context for the complete text, notes and references.