... "The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant." [J.S. Mill, On Liberty - introduction p.14] For Mill and other liberal thinkers like him there is no need to restrict the actions of an individual in any way so long as those actions do not impede on any other individual's liberties. For example if you don't like drinking don't drink and avoid drinking but it is not right to ban it. This view lays down limits to the level of government action that is permitted but most modern governments do have some aspects of ...

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