The Auron MacIntyre Show The Evolution of Liberalism | Guest: Paul Gottfried | 9/25/24
Sep 25, 2024
Paul Gottfried, author and editor in chief of Chronicles magazine, dives into the radical transformation of liberalism from its classical roots to today's ideology. He discusses the disconnect between modern democracy and traditional liberal values, questioning the impact of mass suffrage on society. The conversation highlights the shift towards a managerial mindset and examines the evolution into 'woke' culture. Gottfried also unpacks the complexities of ideological labels and the dynamics within the GOP, addressing the challenges faced in contemporary conservatism.
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Liberalism's Evolution
- 19th-century liberalism was tied to bourgeois values, limited franchise, and national identity.
- 20th-century features like universal suffrage and the welfare state represent a post-liberal era.
Origins of Liberalism
- Liberalism emerged as a distinct ideology in the 18th century alongside the Enlightenment and the rise of the bourgeoisie.
- It became the dominant worldview in the West during the 19th century, influencing modernization efforts elsewhere.
Democratization and Post-Liberalism
- Mass democracy and universal suffrage are not intrinsically liberal; most 19th-century liberals opposed them.
- Granting universal suffrage paved the way for the post-liberal age and the rise of the administrative state.