175 The Pursuit of Liberty

Aug. 22, 2026

The Mosaic Ark was back this week to celebrate our 4th anniversary of streaming! On our last stream, we discussed the Declaration of Independence, and how its professed right of "the pursuit of happiness" was influenced by Alexander Pope’s “Essay on Man.” After that broadcast, KC asked the Professor how such a solid understanding of happiness had been turned on its head during the 20th century and changed to mean radical individualism and personal freedom above all else. “Oh, that’s John Stuart Mill,” she replied. “Here’s your new homework!” And thus ended KC’s happiness over our discussion of Pope, which was transformed into cynical frustration over Mill’s self-contradictory essay “On Liberty.” And if you listen to this stream, she’ll tell you how she really feels about Mill! And please leave us your opinions in the comments!—Streamed August 21, 2026