The Difference Between The Left, Liberals, and Progressives

Watch the full Real Talk With Zuby x Michael Shellenberger episode here:

The conversation between Zuby and Michael Shellenberger delves into the nuanced distinctions between leftism, liberalism, and progressivism. Shellenberger reflects on his upbringing and the evolving definitions of these terms, highlighting how traditional liberalism, rooted in classical values like freedom of speech, has shifted over time. They discuss how certain factions within the left have become more inclined towards censorship and illiberalism, despite the historical association of liberalism with individual rights and freedoms.

Shellenberger provides insights into the paradoxical nature of compassion leading to cruelty, particularly evident in progressive policies and approaches. The discussion extends to the state of cities like San Francisco, with Shellenberger's book serving as a lens through which to understand the decline and societal challenges faced by such urban centers. Zuby shares his observations from visits to San Francisco, expressing disbelief at the visible despair and deterioration in certain areas, prompting a deeper exploration into the factors contributing to these conditions.

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[gagestandingready]

He's right. I'm a Liberal and today I'm called "Far-Right".

[SyverReborn]

These distinctions are vital, thank you for shining a light on this

[harrymills]

"The most compassionate people, " my ass. If they were compassionate, they wouldn't insist that others spend on the liberals' charity of choice, which is the government. Compassionate people would just give what THEY had and be content with that. Spending other people's money is not compassion. It's theft.

[randbrannigan]

Minimal. They all want to undermine traditional society. It's just various degrees of politeness.

[CVsnaredevil]

There are two axis to the political spectrum. Right and Left are the X axis. Liberty and Authoritarian are on the Y axis. A Left Authoritarian is a Progressive and a Right Authoritarian is a Conservative. A Left pro-Liberty is called a Liberal and a Right pro-Liberty is called a Libertarian.

[harrymills]

Liberals should support liberty and limited government, and understand how the two are inextricably linked. So "liberals" who support nanny government are not liberal, by definition.

[AndyGrahamProductions]

Thank you for this. Nice to hear a calm, rational, talk about these distinctions.

[tupperlake]

I think this "left", "right" "center" is BS. Unless you address a specific subject, the label is meaningless. If you mention something like "Defense Spending", "Abortion", etc., individuals attitudes can change with each subject. Why do Americans have to be 100% one way or the other, or in "middle ground" on everything.

[aniE]

I try to explain this to people all the time. And I have seen that older generations and people who don't pay attention to politics have a harder time understanding the difference.

[siljrath]

I'm gonna feel the need to reference the political compass to accompany this when I watch it aren't I...

[SlowGraffitiVideo]

Zuby plus Shellenberger deserves more views!

[sdrc]

Progressivism: Immanentize the Eschaton
"A nation, as expressed in the State, is a living, ethical entity only in so far as it is progressive" --“The Doctrine of Fascism” by Benito Mussolini

[Jinkaza]

That this has been isolated from the larger show I can address this in specific. When the word Liberal is used (capital for distinction) it referring to European Socialists and the American academic/ruling class that has always looked to Europe for guidance. This---> 'liberal"<--- small "l" is what you 2 are talking about. Free Speech, Bill of Right yadda, yadda, yadda is all small "l" liberal. Liberalism in Europe are the non-violent socialists that work by policy, procedure, law and not by "Molotov Diplomacy". These are the Social Democrats and Democratic Socialists, The Labour Party and The Liberal Party in the UK, for instance.
The difference of terms is correct. When Bismark in Germany usurped the SocDems by using their ideas to create the Welfare State, that would make citizens loyal to the monarchy instead of anti-monarchical political parties, he created a new path for communists (I do not distinguish because the goal of ending capitalism is the same for all of them) to get into power. Peaceful compromise is preferable to violent enforcement.
This is an old, creeping up to ancient, issue. We are just living through the latest Push. The tactic is to Push radical positions. If some stick, great! If they don't, fine but make sure small goals are achieved. Capitalism is not ended, but now biomales can play on biofem sports teams. Gun control is not enacted, but now we have red flag laws. Regulate until you face political resistance then change focus to an ancillary issue. Win where you can win and when you have the advantage, Push.

[roywall]

Sargon is correct about this topic. The left and progressivism are outgrowths of liberalism. You can make the case that they are the inevitable conclusion of liberalism, merely the full expression of liberalism.

[DrEhrfurchtgebietend]

The three telos model explains this perfectly

[LostinMIA]

We all have opinions of society and culture, this is fine. What has happened is the ultra powerful after years and years waiting patiently have determined it was time to take over and pursue their own agendas at an accelerated pace. At this point they do not even care if it is obvious or not. The effects of this is manipulation and change to secure and continue the outcomes set in front. The problem for them has been Trump and his high profile supporters, the independent media and Americans. Their mistakes have become apparent to just about everyone now. You can label and invent all the political names you want. It has become and will be more irrelevant as time goes on. This is why you are seeing the mutation of the old social and political verbiage. Hopefully you understand.

[lanebrain]

whats a libertarian ? Left Right, Liberal, Conservative ?

[noidreculse]

Two other words that have new “definitions” Phobia (the FEAR of something) I am not transphobic, I just can’t relate. The other is Racist. Which used to be defined as HATING ALL PEOPLE OF THE SAME RACE, because of their race. I selectively dislike certain individuals, but not ALL people who happen to share a common ancestry.

[daveb]

Just different stages of the same disease. Don’t fool yourself. It’s all the same but just different moments of it’s evolution.

[pawlpoche]

The Bible mentions in the final days
“In the last days, right will be wrong, and wrong shall be right”
That time is now
Whether you believe in the Bible or not