Max Mosley, an advocate for personal liberty, discusses John Stuart Mill's beliefs and how they relate to his own experiences with invasion of privacy. They also explore Mill's advocacy for women's and contraceptive rights, his complex relationship with Harriet Taylor, his journey in parliament, and his lasting legacy on liberty and feminism.
John Stuart Mill believed in the importance of individuality and freedom, emphasizing that people should be allowed to do whatever brings them enjoyment, as long as they do no harm to others.
Max Mosley's legal battle with the News of the World highlights the invasive nature of fighting for privacy in court, likening it to having one's other leg broken in addition to the original injury.
Deep dives
The Importance of Individuality and Freedom
In this podcast episode, ex-formula one boss Max Mosley discusses his admiration for John Stuart Mill, the Victorian philosopher, economist, and advocate of women's rights. Mosley emphasizes Mill's belief in the importance of individuality and freedom, stating that people should be allowed to do whatever brings them enjoyment, as long as they do no harm to others. He views this as a fundamental aspect of a civilized society, where individuals have the right to privacy and to make their own choices without interference.
Max Mosley's Legal Battle with the News of the World
The podcast delves into Max Mosley's high-profile legal battle with the News of the World, a British tabloid. Mosley sued the publication after it published false accusations of him participating in a Nazi orgy. He explains that the story was completely untrue and caused him immense anger. Mosley reflects on the challenges of fighting for privacy in court and the invasive nature of such battles, which he likens to having one's other leg broken in addition to the original injury. Despite the personal and financial costs, Mosley chose to take a stand against the unethical practices of tabloid journalism.
John Stuart Mill's Personal Life and Romantic Relationship
The podcast explores John Stuart Mill's personal life, particularly his relationship with Harriet Taylor. Harriet, who was initially married, became a close confidante and intellectual companion to Mill. Although it is unclear if their relationship was consummated, they spent a significant amount of time together, causing scandal within their social circle. Mill's relationship with Harriet showcased his capacity for emotional intimacy and love. The program also highlights Mill's progressive views on marriage, advocating for equality and genuine partnership between husband and wife, a radical perspective considering the social norms of the time.
Max Mosley nominates the philosopher and proponent of personal liberty, John Stuart Mill, as his great life. With presenter Matthew Parris and biographer Richard Reeves.
Max Mosley trained as a barrister and was an amateur racing driver before becoming involved in the professional sport, latterly as president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. The youngest son of Sir Oswald Mosley, former leader of the British Union of Fascists, and Diana Mitford, his family name made a career in politics impossible. His choice of Mill as a great life is a result of his recent experiences of suing the News of the World for invasion of privacy, and giving evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. He says that both sides of the debate used Mill's work on liberty to justify their arguments.
Until summer 2012 Richard Reeves was Nick Clegg's Director of Strategy, and before that, head of the think-tank 'Demos'. His biography, 'John Stuart Mill - Victorian Firebrand', depicts Mill as a passionate man of action: a philosopher, radical MP and reformer who profoundly shaped Victorian society and continues to illuminate our own.
Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode