The Painted Bird Analysis

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Kosinski, Freud, Marx and Mill all hold divergent opinions regarding human behavior, the state of human self and the role of society over its citizens. Freud and Kosinski share perhaps the most outwardly negative views of people, likening them to barbarians whose natural state without civilization is very violent and visceral. In The Painted Bird, Kosinski explicitly depicts the brutality of human nature through the horrid events that the protagonist witnesses in the rural villages, as well as the Nazi’s treatment of the Jews during the World War II era. According to Kosinski, there are clearly no illusions that can disguise the ugliness that is humankind (Kosinski, 1976). Although Freud’s view of humans and civilization is not as dire …show more content…
What further sets him apart from Marx is that he explains the utmost importance that liberty has on society, but Mill makes it more applicable and therefore more palpable by clearly citing the limitations that the state and individuals must set to prevent harm. Mill discusses several types of liberties, such as the liberty of speech and the liberty of individuality, and regards them as being crucial to society and even states that “no society in which these liberties are not, on the whole, respected, is free, whatever may be its form of government” (Mill, 2002, p. 10). Specifically, he believes that the liberty of speech is important because silencing an individual, regardless of how shocking their claims, does not provide the greatest benefit for society at large. This is because if the individual is silenced and he or she is correct, then society loses the truth and if the individual is incorrect, then society gains a “clearer and livelier impression of the truth” (Mill, 2002, p. 14). He then goes on to explain how allowing free discussion within a society is very beneficial as it encourages discussion and discourages persecution, in addition to the fact that nobody is infallible and therefore anyone has the chance of being incorrect (Mill, 2002, p. 18-20). Finally, Mill believes that another major reason in support of liberty of …show more content…
Human nature, which is primarily focused on self-preservation, contradicts the key principles of the Marxist theory of communist revolution, which proposes the end of private property and the state, in addition to equality for all. The improbable implementation of the Marxist theory of communist revolution is evidenced in recent human history, as political states that have tried to apply Marxist theory have never been able to totally adhere to its unrealistic ideals. In stark comparison, Mill’s theories on speech and non-conformity are designed to promote self-expression and individuality and an open public forum for the discussion of diverse opinions. Mill’s philosophy is a balanced one that allows people the unique opportunity to be creative in their daily lives, in a purposeful way that is properly aligned with human nature. Mill properly focuses on promoting liberties because these important rights are absolutely vital in order live in a free and open society, while keeping human nature in check by clearly enumerating a list of instances in which limitations on liberties are necessary. Accordingly, Mill’s philosophy is particularly significant because it
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