John Stewart Mill

When I was in graduate school at Hofstra University, I studied the history of confinement around the world. Those studies helped me better understand the prison system and how societies have dealt with incarceration through time. That’s how I learned about the work of John Stuart Mill. I first came across his writings on utilitarianism while studying more about prisons. That concept changed the way I thought about my own situation. Mill’s ideas about how the ends justify the means gave me hope and a framework for focusing on the life I wanted to build after serving my time.

Why I Read About Mill

During my studies, I explored topics like the architecture of prisons and the philosophies behind their development. Mill’s connection to these ideas, particularly his critique of Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon prison model, stood out. Bentham’s panopticon was designed so that prisoners would always feel like they were being watched, even if they weren’t. Leaders designed the panopticon prison to control behavior through constant surveillance, and a model began at the Stateville prison in Illinois.

Mill took this concept further by addressing how systems—whether prisons or governments—should balance control with the goal of bettering people’s lives. That struck a chord with me. I hoped my time in prison would lead to transformation, preparing me for success upon release.

What I Learned from Mill

Mill’s philosophy of utilitarianism had a huge influence on my adjustment. His idea that we should aim to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people made sense to me. We should focus on what feels good in the moment, but look to the bigger picture. Mill encouraged looking at the long-term consequences of actions. That message reminded me of what I learned from Socrates, while I served my first year in solitary confinement.

I always thought about how I could develop during the decades I had to serve in prison. Instead of focusing on the daily struggles, I began to view my sentence as a stepping stone to something greater. I wanted to get out with my dignity intact, with opportunities to prosper upon release. If I could educate myself, contribute to society, and build a foundation for the future, then maybe the hardship would serve a purpose. I realized I could maximize the benefit of my time—not just for me, but for the people I would eventually help.

Mill also taught me to focus on higher pleasures—things like intellectual growth and moral development. It’s similar to the lessons I learned from leaders such as Abraham Maslow. That lesson guided me to spend my time reading, writing, and preparing for a better future. By focusing on these “higher pleasures,” I found purpose, even in the most challenging environment.

How Mill Influenced Me

Mill’s utilitarian perspective helped me accept that my time in prison would be a great opportunity to create something meaningful. I kept asking myself:

• What kind of life do I want to live after this?”

The Socratic question helped me to focus on the future, and the opportunity cost that came with every decision. Such questions gave me the strength to stay disciplined and focused on long-term goals.

I wanted to come out of the 26 years I served stronger and more prepared to make a difference. Mill’s emphasis on maximizing the greater good inspired me to use my time to help others. Whether it was writing book reports, mentoring fellow prisoners, or documenting my journey, I kept thinking about how my efforts could lead to more opportunities, not just for me, for all people who wanted to overcome the crises in their lives.