Meaning: The quote "The only power deserving the name is that of masses, and of governments while they make themselves the organ of the tendencies and instincts of masses" is attributed to John Stuart Mill, a British philosopher and political economist of the 19th century. This statement reflects Mill's belief in the significance of the collective power of the people and the role of government in representing the will of the masses.

John Stuart Mill was a prominent advocate of utilitarianism, a moral and political theory that emphasizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In his influential work "On Liberty," Mill argued for the importance of individual freedom and the limitations of state authority in interfering with personal choices and expression. However, Mill also recognized the necessity of government and its potential to serve as the instrument of the collective will of the people.

The quote highlights Mill's perspective on power and its legitimacy. According to Mill, the true power lies with the masses, the collective body of individuals within a society. This power is derived from the shared tendencies and instincts of the people, reflecting their common interests, values, and aspirations. In this sense, the power of the masses represents the democratic principle of popular sovereignty, where the ultimate authority rests with the people.

Furthermore, Mill acknowledges the role of governments in relation to the power of the masses. He suggests that governments can be deserving of power when they align themselves with the tendencies and instincts of the masses, effectively serving as the organ or representative of the collective will. In other words, the legitimacy of governmental power is contingent upon its ability to reflect and act in accordance with the interests and desires of the people it governs.

This perspective resonates with the concept of representative democracy, in which elected officials are entrusted to make decisions and formulate policies on behalf of the broader population. The notion of government as the organ of the masses underscores the idea that political authority should be exercised in the service of the common good, rather than for the benefit of a select few or for purely self-interested purposes.

Mill's emphasis on the power of the masses and the role of governments as their organ aligns with his broader political philosophy, which sought to reconcile individual liberty with social progress and collective welfare. He believed that a just and effective government should be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people, while also safeguarding the rights and freedoms of individuals.

In contemporary political discourse, the quote can be interpreted as a call for accountable and participatory governance, where the voices and concerns of the masses are taken into consideration in the decision-making processes of government. It underscores the idea that political power should ultimately derive from and serve the interests of the broader population, rather than being wielded for the benefit of a privileged few.

Overall, John Stuart Mill's quote encapsulates his perspective on the nature of power, emphasizing the primacy of the masses and the responsibility of governments to act as their representative. It reflects his commitment to democratic principles and the promotion of a just and equitable society where the collective will of the people holds sway.