Question

Read the lines from Mill's "On Individuality" and answer the question.

As it is useful that while mankind are imperfect there should be different opinions, so is it that there should be different experiments of living; that free scope should be given to varieties of character, short of injury to others; and that the worth of different modes of life should be proved practically, when any one thinks fit to try them. It is desirable, in short, that in things which do not primarily concern others, individuality should assert itself. Where, not the person's own character, but the traditions of customs of other people are the rule of conduct, there is wanting one of the principal ingredients of human happiness, and quite the chief ingredient of individual and social progress.

Given these parameters of behavior, which two "experiments of living" best fit the definition here of individuality asserting itself appropriately?

A social organization decides to limit membership to males of a particular ethnic background.
A regarded school decides to recruit its students aggressively from the upper tiers of society.
A person decides to create unorthodox works of art, offending some viewers.
A family decides to live off the grid, producing its own food and clothing.

Answer 1

The answer is:

• A person decides to create unorthodox works of art, offending some viewers.
• A family decides to live off the grid, producing its own food and clothing

In "On Individuality," the author John Stuart Mill indicates that originality and personal decision lead to autonomy, which is essential to serve individuality and enables the individual to cultivate and expand his or her capabilities. Therefore, a person who creates unconventional works of art or a group of people who cultivate and manufacture their own products reinforce Mill's idea of individuality. After all, he states there should exist different modes of life, and liberty should contribute to self-development and well-being.