“To be adequately maintained, classical liberalism demands three key virtues. Humility, so that each of society’s competing factions might comprehend that it will not always hold power. Tolerance, so that the habitual reaction to a difference of opinion is the shrug rather than the bayonet. And forbearance, so that the immediate rush of victory can be subordinated to longer-term ambition. Little by little, we are losing all three and, as they go, forgetting the good practices that have built, sustained, and improved our remarkable society for generations.” - Our Illiberal Moment by Charles C. W. Cooke/National Review February 4, 2021

What is classical liberalism? For starters….

“If you ask most people what classical liberalism is, they’ll say that it’s essentially free-market economics: low taxes, laissez faire, and reducing the government intervention in the economy. But that’s a rather impoverished and narrow idea of what classical liberalism is. It’s actually a comprehensive philosophy, a way of thinking about human society, human life, and the world.” - What is classical liberalism? by Nigel Ashford/Learn Liberty November 20, 2016  

And what ‘way of thinking’ characterizes classical liberalism? Here are a few key ideas, per the classical liberal Nigel Ashford*:

The goal of life in this world is happiness, human flourishing, and wellbeing. 

Personal choice and, hence, individual liberty are crucial in explaining both how society develops and in the achievement of individual happiness and flourishing. 

Commerce, wealth, and trade are good things.

People are distinct, separate, and self-governing (individualism). 

Much of the order and structure we see in society is not the product of conscious design, but something that happens when you have the right kinds of institutions and rules in place. 

Things can and will get better for society over time. 

Reason, rather than tradition or authority, is the way to understand the world and make sense of it. In other words, if you want to really understand the nature of the world… the way to do this is not to rely on a sacred text or simply believe what we are told by authorities, but through reason, empirical investigation, and study. 

How much do you agree and how much do you disagree with the above propositions? Under what conditions are they more true and under what conditions are they less true? If each idea were at the end of a continuum, what idea would be at the other end?

Something to think about.

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* If you want to understand a way of thinking, ask those who think that way to explain it to you.