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Single Idea 7227

[from 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill, in 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism ]

Full Idea

Government interference should be restricted because of the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power.

Gist of Idea

It is evil to give a government any more power than is necessary

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.244


A Reaction

This would need justification, because it might be replied that individuals should not have unnecessary power either. The main problem is that governments have armies, police and money.