The True Meaning of Liberalism: Separating Classical Ideals from Modern Leftist Distortion

The Orwellian Twist of Language

The term "classical liberal" often sparks confusion, a confusion deliberately sown by those who've twisted the meaning of words for political gain. The modern Left, often embracing collectivist ideologies, has attempted to co-opt positive-sounding terms like "liberal," obscuring the true meaning and historical context.

This linguistic sleight-of-hand masks the authoritarian tendencies inherent in their collectivist approach, creating a need to distinguish between their brand of "liberalism" and the original ideals it once represented.

Reclaiming the Classical Roots

The Founding Fathers were considered liberals, champions of individual freedom and limited government. Their vision stands in stark contrast to the modern Left's focus on group identity and expansive government control.

Classical liberalism, inspired by thinkers like John Locke, Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, and Thomas Jefferson, prioritizes individual liberty above all else. As Jefferson eloquently stated in the Declaration of Independence, the pursuit of happiness is an individual right, not something bestowed by the government.

This emphasis on individual empowerment neutralizes the forces of prejudice and discrimination, which thrive on judging individuals based on group affiliation rather than personal merit.

Individualism vs. Collectivism: Where Do You Stand?

Today, "liberalism" is frequently conflated with "leftism" or "progressivism," ideologies that have abandoned the core tenets of individual freedom in favor of collectivism. This shift has created an environment where victimhood is often perceived as virtue, a far cry from the self-reliance championed by classical liberals.

The fundamental question becomes: Does a society built on individual freedom and limited government align more with the modern Left or Right? Which side prioritizes individual liberty, and which embraces collectivism and the illusion of collective "rights"?

The 10 Core Principles of Classical Liberalism

Dr. Nigel Ashford outlines ten core principles of classical liberalism, encompassing individual liberty, skepticism of power, rule of law, free markets, and limited government. These principles resonate strongly with the pro-freedom ideals traditionally associated with the Right rather than the authoritarian Left.

Crucially, classical liberalism emphasizes individualism, recognizing that the individual is more important than the collective. This directly contradicts the collectivist philosophies of communism and fascism, which prioritize the state over individual rights.

Classical Liberalism and Conservatism: A Meeting of Minds?

The similarities between classical liberalism and conservatism are evident. Both champion individual liberty, while the Left continues to cling to the illusion of collective rights. This fundamental difference highlights the Left's departure from true liberal ideals.

So, where do your beliefs lie? Are you a conservative? Or a classical liberal? The lines may be blurred, but the underlying principles remain clear.