John Stuart Mill's upbringing significantly shaped his ideas on liberty and utilitarianism. Raised in a classical intellectual environment by his father, James Mill, young John was subjected to rigorous education that emphasized rational thought. His father's influence and discussions with prominent thinkers led him to embrace utilitarian principles, valuing happiness as the moral foundation of society. Mill's exposure to the constraints of societal norms, combined with his personal experiences of mental health struggles, fostered a profound commitment to individual freedom. Ultimately, these elements critically informed his philosophical writings on liberty.