Fred Wilson, in The Centennial Review (Fall 1989), 110 Morrill Hall, Michigan The Philosopher State Univ., East Lansing, Mich. 48824-1036,

In 1826, John Stuart Mill was gripped what can only be called one of the most famous bouts of depression in the intellec- tual history of the West. At 20, he later wrote, his "love of mankind. ..had worn itself out." His despair was deepened by the oppressive influence both of his philos- opher-father, James, and of Jeremy Ben- tham. They advocated a...