John Stuart Mill or the thinking machine that ended up falling in love with a married woman

Hartmut Rosa, a German sociologist known for his work on acceleration and modernity, has expressed concerns over a growing societal trend. In a recent statement, he warned, “We are losing the desire to live and the confidence in life.” His remarks come amid increasing discussions around mental health, existential despair, and the pressures of contemporary living. Rosa, born in 1959 in Lörrach, Germany, is one of Europe’s most influential intellectuals. He leads an annual summer program in Schwäbisch Gmünd, where he gathers approximately 100 young Germans each August to engage in philosophical and sociological debates. The atmosphere is described as informal and collaborative, with participants valuing creativity and spontaneity over rigid structures. This environment reflects Rosa’s belief in fostering intellectual freedom and emotional engagement, which he contrasts with the more structured, often oppressive educational systems he critiques. The discussion surrounding Rosa’s comments echoes broader anxieties about modern life. These concerns are not new; they have been explored by thinkers throughout history. One such figure is John Stuart Mill, whose early life was shaped by extreme rationalism and utilitarian principles. Born in 1806, Mill was raised under the strict tutelage of his father, James Mill, a philosopher and advocate of utilitarianism. From a very young age, Mill was subjected to rigorous academic training, learning Greek, Latin, logic, and economics before adolescence. His education was designed to mold him into a thinking machine, an idea that would later influence literary works and social commentary. James Mill's approach was rooted in the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham, who advocated for maximizing happiness through measurable outcomes. This led to the creation of a character in Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times, Thomas Gradgrind, a man devoid of imagination and obsessed with factual data. Dickens’ portrayal of Gradgrind served as a critique of the utilitarian mindset that prioritized efficiency over human emotion and creativity. This fictional character became a cultural symbol, representing the dangers of reducing individuals to mere instruments of productivity. John Stuart Mill, however, resisted this reductionist view. At just eight years old, he had already studied classical texts in their original languages, including Xenophon’s Anabasis and Herodotus’ histories. By twelve, he was engaging with Aristotle and economic theory. Yet, despite his intellectual prowess, Mill struggled with deep depression. He wrote in his autobiography that at twenty, he felt no reason to continue living. It was poetry, specifically the works of William Wordsworth, that helped him recover. Wordsworth, a key figure in British Romanticism, celebrated emotions, imagination, and nature, all of which stood in stark contrast to the cold logic of utilitarianism. Mill’s eventual rejection of his father’s ideology marked a turning point in his life. He went on to become one of the most cited liberal philosophers, advocating for individual freedoms and democratic governance. However, his legacy is complex. While he championed liberty, he also held positions within colonial administrations, notably in British-controlled India. His writings on governance acknowledged the limitations of self-rule among certain populations, a stance that has drawn criticism from historians and ethicists. Today, as societies grapple with issues of mental health, identity, and purpose, figures like Rosa and Mill offer historical parallels. Their experiences highlight the tension between structured rationality and the need for emotional fulfillment. As the world continues to evolve, these conversations remain relevant, urging reflection on how we balance progress with well-being.