As you head toward the end of year one of your MPH program, and with another year and a half of Covid-time under your belt since writing this, I'm curious if your thoughts have evolved.
You wrote, "The path of individuality means asking questions and pursuing your own answers. Such a path takes effort. But even those who don’t wish for individual freedom themselves should allow others to pursue it, and not condemn it, for anyone’s originality has the potential to teach and assist others."
How does this square with the Covid vaccine and the individual freedom people are exercising in response to various vaccine requirements/expectations? Would Mill be warry of the pressures that governments are putting on their citizens to receive the vaccine?
Appreciate the thought-provoking writing and eager to discuss these ideas together.
I've personally not read this article since summer 2020 and I definitely had a few chuckles and pauses for questioning while re-reading. But I wanted to keep it as a response of the times, and not merge more recent/current thoughts of mine.
My thoughts have definitely evolved! I would say I was naively trustworthy of the CDC and WHO, and have since come to realize that everyone has an agenda. I don't mean to blame any organization for not knowing the unknowable about a novel disease, but I think there could have been more transparency surrounding why certain guidelines were set in place. Sadly, honesty and transparency might be a lot to ask of any government, but I bet it'd gain more of our trust.
Regarding the vaccine, if someone doesn't want to get it, I suppose that's their choice. I don't believe the government should ever knock on their door and force it upon them. But if you want to engage with society, as Mills discusses—whether it be work, social services, or entertainment—there have to be sacrifices for the health and safety of the collective.
Enjoyed the reread, thanks for reposting.
As you head toward the end of year one of your MPH program, and with another year and a half of Covid-time under your belt since writing this, I'm curious if your thoughts have evolved.
You wrote, "The path of individuality means asking questions and pursuing your own answers. Such a path takes effort. But even those who don’t wish for individual freedom themselves should allow others to pursue it, and not condemn it, for anyone’s originality has the potential to teach and assist others."
How does this square with the Covid vaccine and the individual freedom people are exercising in response to various vaccine requirements/expectations? Would Mill be warry of the pressures that governments are putting on their citizens to receive the vaccine?
Appreciate the thought-provoking writing and eager to discuss these ideas together.
Thanks Hunt :)
I've personally not read this article since summer 2020 and I definitely had a few chuckles and pauses for questioning while re-reading. But I wanted to keep it as a response of the times, and not merge more recent/current thoughts of mine.
My thoughts have definitely evolved! I would say I was naively trustworthy of the CDC and WHO, and have since come to realize that everyone has an agenda. I don't mean to blame any organization for not knowing the unknowable about a novel disease, but I think there could have been more transparency surrounding why certain guidelines were set in place. Sadly, honesty and transparency might be a lot to ask of any government, but I bet it'd gain more of our trust.
Regarding the vaccine, if someone doesn't want to get it, I suppose that's their choice. I don't believe the government should ever knock on their door and force it upon them. But if you want to engage with society, as Mills discusses—whether it be work, social services, or entertainment—there have to be sacrifices for the health and safety of the collective.
Let's get the philosophy round-table going!