I am not aware that any community has a right to force another to be civilized

I am not aware that any community has a right to force another to be civilized

John Stuart Mill, a prominent philosopher and advocate for individual liberty, believed strongly in the importance of personal freedom and autonomy. In his seminal work, "On Liberty," Mill argued that individuals should be free to live their lives as they see fit, as long as they do not harm others. This principle of non-interference extended to all aspects of life, including the way in which individuals choose to live and organize their communities.

One of the key ideas that Mill espoused was the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that different cultures and societies have their own unique values, beliefs, and practices that should be respected and tolerated. In this context, Mill would likely argue that no community has the right to impose its own standards of civilization on another. Each community should be free to develop and evolve in its own way, without interference or coercion from outside forces.

Mill believed that diversity and pluralism were essential for the progress and advancement of society. By allowing different communities to flourish and develop according to their own values and traditions, society as a whole would benefit from the exchange of ideas and perspectives. In this sense, forcing a community to adopt a particular standard of civilization would not only be unjust, but also counterproductive to the overall well-being of society.

Furthermore, Mill recognized the dangers of paternalism and authoritarianism in governance. He argued that individuals should be free to make their own choices and decisions, even if those choices are deemed unwise or immoral by others. By respecting the autonomy and agency of individuals and communities, society would be more just, tolerant, and inclusive.