The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, November 1879

"The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, November 1879" by Various, is a compilation of articles that capture the intellectual atmosphere of the late 1800s. Diving into topics like personal freedoms, shifts in society, and interpretations of the past, the collection offers a look into the significant political and philosophical debates happening in England at that time. The essays explore the ideas of thinkers like John Stuart Mill and analyze important political trends. Opening with an examination of liberty, particularly in relation to Mill's "On Liberty," the collection examines how ideas about individual freedom have changed over time. It considers the balance between what a person wants and what society expects, noting that even though things have improved since Mill's time, being too similar and giving in to social pressure are still real issues that deserve consideration.