What sorts of tyrannies must the individual be protected against?

In his book, On Liberty, Mill notes that the individual must be protected from social tyranny, namely the prevailing opinions and feelings in a society. When it appears that the people are making their own rules, it is easier for citizens to follow along, subscribing to a false sense of empowerment. Mill contends that in truth, democracy is tyranny in numbers, where the active political members of a society can dictate what is best for all and the majority's decision is rendered as law.

In John Stuart Mill's seminal work "On Liberty," he argues that individuals must be protected against various forms of tyranny, particularly those stemming from societal pressures, government coercion, and majority opinion. Here we could find important four key tyrannies Mill identifies and discusses in his essay:

1. Social Tyranny: Mill emphasizes the danger of societal conformity and the suppression of individuality. He warns against the tyranny of prevailing social norms and customs, which can stifle individual expression and diversity of thought.

2. Government Tyranny: Mill advocates for limits on the power of government, highlighting the potential for tyranny when rulers or authorities impose their will on citizens without regard for individual rights and freedoms. He argues for the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law to prevent government overreach.

3. Majority Tyranny: Mill is particularly concerned about the tyranny of the majority, where the collective will of the majority suppresses dissenting opinions or minority viewpoints. He argues that even democratic societies must safeguard against the tyranny of the majority by protecting the rights of minorities and promoting freedom of speech and assembly.

4. Moral Tyranny: Mill also discusses the dangers of moralistic censorship and paternalism, where individuals or institutions seek to control behavior or restrict freedoms in the name of morality or the common good. He advocates for a principle of harm, suggesting that actions should only be restricted if they cause harm to others, rather than based on moral judgments alone.

John Mill through On Liberty emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals from various forms of tyranny that threaten their autonomy, individuality, and ability to live according to their own values and beliefs. He argues for a robust defense of individual rights and freedoms, even in the face of societal pressure or majority opinion