Although there is no strict explanation of what classical liberalism is, there are a core set of ideas that every classical liberal believes in. You can read this article further to see if you too, are a freedom-loving classical liberal.
Classical liberalism is the belief system that holds your freedom in high regard. When this belief system is implemented through the policies of the government, politicians have fewer opportunities to dominate your life. This is because classical liberals believe in limiting the power of government.
When a person is free, they have the power to make their own decisions in life. This helps individuals to live meaningfully, as it puts them in control of their decision-making. In a society based on classical liberalism, government interference is kept to a minimum, so that people are protected from instances where their rights are abused by politicians. If there is one lesson that history has taught humanity, it is that freedom dies when government become dictatorial and overbearing.
This principle holds that each person has a unique identity. Individualism is a belief system in which every man and woman should be allowed to pursue their individual interests and exercise self-reliance. In a society that cherishes individualism, people are not beholden to a tribe, creed, or cult. Their individual identities and interests take precedence over the collective. This prevents people from losing themselves in instances where group interests could overpower them.
Today our rights are protected in the constitution and the government has laws in order to protect freedom. This, however, is not the natural state of societies. There have been dark moments throughout history where ordinary people were often at the mercy of their rulers, with the arbitrary application of laws and other rules. The rule of law has developed through the years, in order to make sure that these terrible experiences never happen again. In a society that prizes classical liberal ideas, laws are passed to promote freedom and peace. This differs from situations where politicians are given freedom to rule and harm as they wish.
These words might sound abstract, but they are around people everywhere. When a person has property rights, they are able to own land and other assets. This empowers them to build intergenerational wealth, which they can then pass down to their heirs. Free markets are about opportunities, to put in simple terms. They include the opportunity to start businesses and the opportunity to have one’s needs and wants serviced through the market. Classical liberals believe in the idea of building a society where can enjoy access to these opportunities.
Imagine a world in which every person would be able to live according to their own wishes and desires, as long as it does not infringe on the freedom of others. The harmonious ideal that classical liberals aspire to achieve for society is called tolerance. In a society based on this value, people are allowed to embrace who they are, love who they want, and believe in whatever creed they see as resonating with them. No one will be persecuted for being a racial, sexual, religious, or any other kind of minority. Classical liberals believe in tolerance and these extend over to other important experiences as well, such as freedom of conscience and speech.
The ideals that classical liberals are fighting for aren’t for a select few. Unlike socialism which seeks to empower dictators, classical liberals envision a society that empowers everyone with policies that promote freedom, individualism, the rule of law, and tolerance.
If you agree with any of the above you may be a classical liberal and will find like-minded individuals here, at the Freedom Advocacy Network.
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