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J.S. Mill argues that individual freedom is extremely important for individuals and for the humankind. Not only tyranny but also democratic government may be dangerous for individual freedom because of 'the tyranny of the majority'. Each individual needs protection from dominat emotions and sentiments but at the same time common sentiments are more fundamental than political organisation. Special sentiments connected with the feeling of belonging, are the reason to call for self-government. The rule of self-government is extremely important: the question of government ought to be decided by the governed. The governed should also decide on the composition of collective bodies they choose to associate themselves with. But the freedom of association is not an absolute prerogative. Only among a people with fellow-feeling, especially if they read and speak the same language, a united public opinion necessary for the functioning of representative government can arise. These kinds of feelings are important not only for public opinion but also for other institutions of government.