- 1. The Autobiography of John Stuart Mill, authored by the renowned philosopher and political economist John Stuart Mill himself, offers a profound insight into the intellectual development and personal experiences of one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. Written in the form of reflective memoirs, this work chronicles Mill's early life, shaped by the rigorous education imposed by his father, James Mill, and the profound impact of utilitarian philosophy. Throughout the narrative, Mill reveals his journey through periods of emotional struggle, particularly during an intense existential crisis that led him to reconsider the foundations of his beliefs and the purpose of happiness. He delves into his professional life at the East India Company, his commitment to social and political reform, and his advocacy for women's rights and individual liberty. Notably, Mill's autobiography is not just a personal account; it also serves as a commentary on the political climate of his time, exploring the intersections of liberty, morality, and social justice. As Mill reflects on his philosophical ideas, including concepts of utilitarianism and freedom, the autobiography becomes a compelling narrative, illuminating the thoughts and emotions behind his seminal writings, such as 'On Liberty' and 'The Subjection of Women'. Through this intimate self-portrait, readers gain a deeper appreciation of Mill's legacy, his contributions to liberal thought, and the relentless pursuit of truth and empowerment that characterized his remarkable life.
Who was the primary educator in Mill's rigorous early childhood education?
A) Jeremy Bentham
B) His father, James Mill
C) A private tutor
D) His mother
- 2. Which philosophical movement was Mill's father heavily associated with?
A) Transcendentalism
B) Idealism
C) Existentialism
D) Utilitarianism
- 3. What did Mill identify as a key cause of his mental crisis?
A) Overwork at the East India Company
B) Lack of cultivation of his emotions
C) A failed romantic relationship
D) The death of his father
- 4. Which poet's work helped Mill recover from his depression by speaking to his emotions?
A) William Wordsworth
B) Percy Bysshe Shelley
C) Lord Byron
D) John Keats
- 5. Who was the most important intellectual and personal relationship in Mill's later life?
A) Charles Darwin
B) Thomas Carlyle
C) John Ruskin
D) Harriet Taylor
- 6. For how many years did Mill work for the British East India Company?
A) 10 years
B) 35 years
C) 20 years
D) 50 years
- 7. What important political position did Mill hold later in life?
A) Member of Parliament
B) Home Secretary
C) Lord Chief Justice
D) Prime Minister
- 8. Mill's autobiography is a key text for understanding the intellectual climate of which century?
A) 18th century
B) 19th century
C) 17th century
D) 20th century
- 9. What is a major theme of Mill's autobiography regarding education?
A) The superiority of public schooling over private tutoring
B) The benefits of learning Latin before Greek
C) The importance of balancing intellectual and emotional development
D) The necessity of religious instruction
- 10. Which utilitarian philosopher was a close friend of Mill's father and an influence on Mill's upbringing?
A) Immanuel Kant
B) Jeremy Bentham
C) John Locke
D) David Hume
- 11. What was the title of the major work on logic that Mill published?
A) On Liberty
B) Principles of Political Economy
C) Utilitarianism
D) A System of Logic
- 12. Mill's autobiography was published posthumously in which year?
A) 1873
B) 1859
C) 1880
D) 1869
- 13. Besides Greek, what other classical language did Mill learn as a child?
A) Sanskrit
B) Arabic
C) Hebrew
D) Latin
- 14. What subject did Mill begin studying at age 12, which formed the basis of his later economic writings?
A) Political economy
B) Psychology
C) Chemistry
D) Formal logic
- 15. What does Mill's autobiography reveal about his views on society and the individual?
A) The importance of individual liberty and social progress
B) The need for a strong monarchical government
C) The superiority of aristocratic rule
D) The inevitability of social decline
- 16. Where did Mill work for most of his professional career?
A) The British Museum
B) The House of Commons
C) Cambridge University
D) The East India Company
- 17. Which cause did Mill champion in Parliament?
A) Abolition of the monarchy
B) Women's suffrage
C) Establishment of a state religion
D) British imperialism
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