Reclaiming the Ethical Foundation of Liberalism

In the 19th century, the founders of liberalism saw their doctrine as an ethical project focused on living a good life amidst modern pressures like capitalism's materialism, democracy's populism and conformism, and nationalism's unearned partiality. Thinkers like Moncheme Kostan, Jean-Mendeschteil, Tuckville, J.S. Mill, and George Elliot aimed to reclaim the liberal ideal, which embodies both liberty and generority. Liberalism means not just political freedom but also muchness and generosity, akin to ordering a generous portion of soup that respects personal choice, illustrating the concept of negative freedom.