IN PRAISE OF LIBERALISM

The Evolution and Perversion of the Term "Liberal"

For centuries, the word liberal represented the ideals of intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of knowledge through critical inquiry. Rooted in the Latin word liber—meaning “free”—the term initially described an education designed to cultivate independent thought and intellectual freedom. A liberal education sought to produce individuals who could question, analyze, and contribute to society with informed perspectives, unburdened by dogma.

Liberal Thinking Through the Ages

Movements promoting liberal thought have emerged throughout history, including during the Enlightenment, when philosophers championed reason, science, and the intrinsic rights of individuals. These ideals profoundly shaped Western democracies, including the founding principles of the United States. For much of American history, the liberal arts were central to education, emphasizing disciplines such as philosophy, literature, history, and the sciences as the foundation for well-rounded, critical thinkers.

In this context, a liberal describes an individual who values intellectual growth and the betterment of society. To be liberal is to think critically, question assumptions, and advocate for progress and inclusion.

The Liberal Shift to Politics

As the term transitioned from academia to politics, it retained its essence. Liberal politicians and movements embodied empathy, advocating for equality, inclusion, and justice. These values—support for civil rights, the expansion of education, the fight against discrimination, and the promotion of social and economic equality—became hallmarks of liberalism. Liberals championed the belief that a fair and just society is one where all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or background, have equal opportunities to thrive.

At its core, liberalism represented a commitment to moral virtues:

• Empathy: A genuine concern for the well-being of others.
• Justice: Advocacy for fairness and equality.
• Progress: A belief in humanity’s ability to create a better future through innovation and collaboration.
• Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and recognizing the value of all individuals.

The Perversion of Liberalism

In the last half-century, the term liberal has undergone a deliberate and systematic distortion, notably by radical capitalistic conservatives. What was once synonymous with intellectualism and virtue has been rebranded as a pejorative with negative connotations. Conservatives weaponized the term, equating it with softness, lack of principles, and unchecked radical progressivism.

This redefinition is not accidental. It serves a political agenda to discredit policies that challenge entrenched power structures. By conflating liberalism with socialism and communism—systems often vilified in American political discourse—conservative capitalists have sown distrust toward policies promoting social and economic equality.

The result is a tragic irony: the very virtues of liberalism—empathy, inclusion, and progress—are mischaracterized as weaknesses. Efforts to create equitable opportunities for all are dismissed as radical overreach and advocacy for marginalized groups is derided as pandering or political correctness.

William James Spriggs

Why This Matters

This perversion of liberalism has profound implications. It stifles meaningful discourse, polarizes communities, and undermines the pursuit of justice and equality. When words lose their true meaning, the ideas and values they represent become obscured. The deliberate distortion of liberalism reflects a broader effort to suppress progress and maintain the status quo.

Reclaiming the term liberal is essential for linguistic accuracy and preserving the values it represents. To be liberal is not weak or radical; it is to think critically, act compassionately, and believe in the potential for a better future.

The Future

It is time to challenge the narrative that has turned liberal into a term of derision. We must remind ourselves and others of its true meaning and history. To be liberal means to stand up for inclusion, equality, and intellectual integrity. These are not weaknesses; they are strengths. By reclaiming the term, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that have propelled humanity forward and reject the attempts to undermine progress in the name of greed and fear.

We must honor the legacy of liberalism and ensure that its virtues continue to guide us, particularly considering the movement toward fascism and theocracy.