David Boaz reflections on liberalism and the US elections
According to David Boaz, a classical liberal thinker based in the USA, for thousands of years, most of recorded history was characterized by power, privilege, and oppression. Life for most people was, in the phrase of Thomas Hobbes, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. Then, in the 17th century, a transformative event occurred- the Scientific Revolution emerged from a new, more empirical way of doing science, leading into the Enlightenment. In his book 'Enlightenment Now,' Steven Pinker identifies four themes of the Enlightenment: reason, science, humanism, and progress, which continue to inspire us today.
Liberalism arose in this environment. People began to question the role of the state and the established church, advocating for liberty based on the equal natural rights and dignity of every person. John Locke, often regarded as the father of liberalism, argued that government is formed to protect life, liberty, and property and is based on the consent of the governed. If the government exceeds its proper role, people are entitled to replace it.
By the 1770s, writers began using terms like "liberal policy," "liberal plan," and "liberal principles." In his 1776 book "The Wealth of Nations," Adam Smith spoke of "allowing every man to pursue his own interest his own way, upon the liberal plan of equality, liberty, and justice." The American Declaration of Independence, published the same year, concisely laid out Locke's analysis of the purpose and limits of government.
In both the United States and Europe, the century after the American Revolution was marked by the spread of liberalism. Slavery and serfdom ended, constitutions and bills of rights protected liberty, and guilds and monopolies were largely eliminated. The liberation of human creativity unleashed astounding scientific and material progress with technological advances such as the steam engine, the telegraph, and electricity. Thanks to innovations and entrepreneurship, the great masses began to be liberated from backbreaking toil, infant mortality fell, and life expectancy rose. This is a testament to the power of liberalism in driving societal progress.
Toward the end of the 19th century, classical liberalism began to give way to new forms of collectivism and state power. From World War I onward, governments grew in size, scope, and power, signaling the end of the liberal era. American intellectuals were tremendously enthusiastic about bigger government during the Progressive Era, World War I, the New Deal, and World War II.
Around 1900, the term "liberal" underwent a change. People who supported big government and wanted to limit and control the free market started calling themselves liberals. Scholars began to refer to the philosophy of individual rights, free markets, and limited government as classical liberalism. Some, including F.A. Hayek and Milton Friedman, continued to call themselves liberals, while others adopted the term libertarian.
In the United States, the great American historian Bernard Bailyn noted that the major themes of 18th-century radical libertarianism, such as the belief that power is evil and must be controlled, were realized. Through many political fights, especially after the abolition of slavery, American debate has taken place within a broad liberal consensus.
Modern American politics, shaped significantly by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, saw liberalism come to mean activist government, theoretically to help the poor and middle class through taxes, transfer programs, and regulation. A conservative movement arose in opposition, led by figures like William F. Buckley Jr., Senator Barry Goldwater, and President Ronald Reagan, preaching free markets, a robust national defense, and "traditional values."
Donald Trump's rise altered the political landscape. Unlike the Reagan-era Republicans, Trump's campaign emphasized opposition to free trade and immigration, and he engaged in racial and religious scapegoating. This shift has remade the GOP in his image, moving away from traditional conservative values.
As the 2024 elections approach, the political scene is marked by Democrats moving left with increased spending and socialist inclinations while Republicans engage in culture wars and protectionism. This leaves classical liberals advocating for economic and personal freedom feeling politically homeless, facing a challenging and uncertain future. However, the principles of liberty, equality, and democracy remain crucial as classical liberals defend them against both left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism. This task requires our collective attention and support.
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