A review by mylovelyforest
Autobiography by John Stuart Mill

4.0

* Weber's Oberon plays in the background *

HIGHLY recommended for people in their 20s, who feel "left stranded at the commencement of my voyage, with a well-equipped ship and a rudder, but no sail." You are fully encouraged to read these as well (credits to John himself): Coleridge's Dejection, Carlyle's "The Everlasting Yea" and Wordsworth's The Excursion.

"The habit of analysis has a tendency to wear away the feelings" (read Carlyle's theory for further illustration).

On the effects music had in him: "exciting enthusiasm; winding up to a high pitch those feelings of an elevated mind which are already in the character, but to which this excitement gives a glow and a fervor, which, though transitory at its utmost height, is precious for sustaining them at other times."

I will reread your insightful, eye-opening thoughts soon enough, but for the time being: thanks for opening up and becoming the medicine for the reader's state of mind, dear John xx